Several communities in Oakland County have issued a mandatory boil water advisory.
The Great Lakes Water Authority says a broken transmission main has caused a drop in water pressure in the system, which can lead to bacterial contamination.
What to do if you are affected by the advisory The advisory calls for residents to use boiled, bottled or disinfected water for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and preparing food until further notice.
The affected communities include: Novi (in the area bounded by 14 mile on the north, 8 mile on the south, Napier on the west, and Haggerty on the east) So far, Novi, West Bloomfield, and Bloomfield Township have set up water distribution centers.
Novi has eight centers for the "needy and elderly" throughout the affected area, including stations set up specifically to provide non-drinking water for flushing toilets.
In West Bloomfield, a water distribution center has been set up at Keith Sports Park at 2750 Keith Rd.
Officials say they expect to have a replacement piece of pipe installed by Wednesday night and water quality tests will take place afterward.
“The reason for the boiled water is any time we have a rupture in the water system that transports our drinking water, it can allow the introduction of certain contaminants,” says Hansell.
Klobucar says the hospital often runs drills to prepare for this exact situation, and is currently relying on bottled water, jugs of water, and wells underneath the hospital.
“And we will continue to provide the best care possible.” This story was updated at 3:40 p.m., and will be updated as more information is made available.