GENESEE COUNTY (WJRT) (12/18/2017) – A precautionary boil water advisory was issued for Swartz Creek and Clayton and Gaines townships on Monday evening after a water main break.
A water main break earlier Monday in Swartz Creek caused pressure in the western Genesee County water system to drop.
That may have allowed bacteria to enter the system and contaminate water.
The Genesee County Drain Commissioner’s Office said the risk of contamination is low, but officials issued the boil water advisory as a precaution.
Swartz Creek Community Schools will be closed on Tuesday due to the advisory.
Until further notice, anyone drinking or using municipal water in Swartz Creek and Clayton or Gaines townships should boil it for one minute — or just use bottled water.
That includes drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation.
Boiling the water for one minute would kill any bacteria or harmful organisms that may have entered the system.
Once that is complete, the line will be flushed, sanitized and tested before the boil water advisory can be lifted.
The advisory should be lifted within a week depending on how quickly repairs are made and the system is sanitized.