After a break in a crucial line was revealed Saturday, about 935,000 residents in southeastern Michigan were advised to boil their drinking water.
The Great Lakes Water Authority stated the 23 cities included Flint, Pontiac, Sterling Heights, Clinton Township, Utica, and Troy. Crews found the leak about one mile west of the authority’s Lake Huron Water Treatment Facility.
The 120-inch pipe in St. Clair County, known as a water main, transports treated water from Lake Huron and is the biggest in the system, according to the EPA.
“Once the leak has been isolated,” the agency added, “crews will begin to activate emergency connections to other mains in the system to restore some flow to the damaged towns.”
“A decrease of pressure may lead to bacterial contamination in the water system… Boiling water before use can eliminate bacteria and other organisms that may be in the water,” according to the GLWA.
Residents in the affected areas are advised not to consume the water without boiling it first. The authorities recommend that homeowners bring all water to a boil for at least one minute before using it.
“Until further notice, boiled, bottled, or disinfected water should be used for drinking, making ice, cleaning dishes, brushing teeth, and preparing meals,” the agency said.