CEDAR SPRINGS, Mich. — After a drop in pressure in the water supply for the City of Cedar Springs the city has announced they are placing a boil water advisory into effect.
The city said that the loss in pressure may have allowed bacterial contamination to occur in the water system.
While the city said bacteria are generally not harmful and are common through our environment, they are still taking these steps as a precaution while they work to correct the situation.
Cedar Springs Public Schools announced they would be closed Wednesday, Nov. 20 and Thursday, Nov. 21 due to the advisory.
What should residents do?
Residents of the City of Cedar Springs should NOT drink any water without boiling it first. All water should be brought to a boil, boiled for at least one minute and allowed to cool before drinking or using. Alternatively, bottled water is safe as well.
ONLY boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and preparing food.
Boiling water kills off bacteria and other organisms in the water that may have contaminated it during the loss of pressure.
Residents should ONLY use boiled or bottled water until the city advises otherwise.
What happened and what is being done?
The city said the loss of pressure was caused by an alarm system malfunction on Nov. 19. The city is working to restore water pressure.
Water staff will also be taking remedial actions like flushing and collecting bacteriological samples from around the system. They said the samples will be collected to determine that the water quality meets the state drinking water standards.
The city will inform all residents when tests show no bacteria and the advisory is lifted. They anticipate the problem will be resolved within 48 hours.
