Due to a loss of pressure in the Sturgis water supply, bacterial contamination may have occurred, city officials said.

originally posted on January 24, 2017

Due to a loss of pressure in the Sturgis water supply, bacterial contamination may have occurred, city officials said.

Precautionary action is being taken due to a water main break that occurred in an area that includes Main Street to the south, Jerolene Street to the north, George Street to the east and Market Street to the west. Only residents living within that area are included in the advisory.

The notice will remain in effect until results from the sampling verify the water is safe to drink. Residents will be advised when the boil-water advisory has been lifted.

Bacteria generally are not harmful and are common throughout the environment, officials said. Corrective measures are being undertaken to correct the situation.

What to do
For residents in the affected area, do not drink the water without boiling it first. Bring water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, then let it cool before using, or use bottled water.

Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

What happened? What is being done?

Loss of water pressure in the water distribution system occurred when valves were closed to isolate the broken section of main so repairs could be made, officials said. Whenever a water system loses pressure for a significant length of time, precautionary measures are recommended.

Once pressure is restored, samples will be collected to determine that the water quality meets the state drinking water standards. The city will inform residents when tests show no bacteria and the boil-water warning is lifted.

For additional information, call Rick Miller, Sturgis director of public services, (269) 651-2879 or (269) 625-7070.

General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA safe drinking water hotline, (800) 426-4791.