GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — About 20,000 people will be using either boiled or bottled water in Grand Rapids after a water main break happened Sunday.
The boil water advisory was issued Sunday afternoon after some residents had low water pressure or no water at all. Anyone east of US-131 and north of Hall Street falls under the boil water advisory, which is anticipated to continue through at least Wednesday.
The communities impacted are the City of Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Township.
The advisory means there is a chance that harmful bacteria could be inside your tap water. You must use either boiled or bottled water for certain things, including drinking, preparing food, brushing your teeth and washing dishes.
To make your tap water safe to drink, let it boil for at least one minute and cool before using. This removes any harmful bacteria that may be in the water.
It is safe to use tap water to wash your hands, shower and do laundry.
So with the advisory being anticipated to continue for a few more days at least, what about caring for your pets?
Your pets can get sick from many of the same germs humans can, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This means your pets will also need either bottled water or water that has been boiled.
If you have aquatic pets, the CDC says to be wary of changing the water in their aquarium while under a boil water notice, although fish and reptiles don't often get sick from the same germs humans do.
If you have any concerns about your pets' care while under the advisory, reach out to your local pet store or veterinarian.
The CDC said most people who drink tap water under a boil water advisory will not get sick, but that the symptoms are similar to food poisoning.
If you experience nausea, diarrhea, cramps and possibly a mild fever after drinking tap water, you're encouraged to stay hydrated and contact a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen.
More information on the advisory is available on the city’s website at grandrapidsmi.gov.
If you have more questions or need to report a water/sewer emergency, contact customer service by dialing 616-456-3000, or dial 311 if you are within the city limits.
Still have questions?
You can text "water" to 616-559-1310 to share your lingering questions about the boil water advisory, and we'll do our best to get answers from the City of Grand Rapids.
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