The danger of tap-water contamination has spurred a boil water advisory, starting Monday, across a wide area of Oakland County, affecting communities such as Bloomfield Township, Farmington Hills, Novi and Walled Lake, plus others.
It’s a public health advisory given by government officials when a city or community’s water system could be contaminated by bacteria.
Until the advisory is lifted, residents are advised to boil water before drinking it or using it to cook to ensure there is no bacteria before consumption.
How did this happen?
People are advised to boil tap water or use bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, washing fruits and vegetables, preparing food or making ice.
How long will this last?
The boil-water advisory affecting 11 Oakland County communities will likely continue until at least late Friday evening, authorities said.
Repairs to the large, failing water main on 14 Mile Road between Farmington and Drake roads are estimated to take until Wednesday night, before two rounds of water-quality testing bring the earliest possible end to the emergency on "late Friday evening," according to a Great Lakes Water Authority news release.
School closings All schools in the West Bloomfield, Bloomfield Hills, Walled Lake and Novi school districts are closed today.
According to the advisory, you should bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water.