MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, Mich — Neighbors in Muskegon Heights are working together to distribute fresh water to residents following a boil water notice from the city early Wednesday morning.
A computer system failure involving their water system caused the boil order. Residents noticed a drop in water pressure, which could lead to potentially harmful bacteria being introduced into the water supply.
The neighborhood water distribution site is set up at Summit Avenue and Waalkes Street. They told 13 ON YOUR SIDE that they will be distributing water as long as people keep donating it.
Muskegon Heights City Manager Melvin Burns told 13 ON YOUR SIDE that the city was already in the process of utilizing a $20 million grant to upgrade their water system at the time of the computer system failure.
However, the money from the grant was earmarked for other uses, including replacing led service lines, replacing water mains and doing repairs to the plant.
Burns said that the city is listening to residents, but asks for patience.
"People are calling City Hall, they're calling the plant. If you don't get an answer, it's because everybody is busy. But we'll try to get back to you. Again, check the social media pages, we're trying to keep it up date as much as possible."
Burns says the city hopes that the water pressure will be back to normal late tonight, but the boil water advisory could last as long as three days.
The city will still need to test for bacteria and get consistently clean samples before the boil water notice can be lifted.
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