Residents Ordered to Boil Water before Use

UPDATE: See the map showing the area under the boil-water advisory here.

Residents of East Lansing and Meridian Township have been issued an order today to boil their water before using for human consumption. According to the City of East Lansing, residents need to bring tap water to a rolling boil, boil it for one minute, and cool before using.

Residents can also use commercially bottled water.

According to the notice, “Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and preparing food until further notice.”

The City of East Lansing says a reading taken today showed high turbidity, which can “allow harmful microbes to grow, and may indicate the presence of harmful microbes, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms and may pose a special health risk for infants, some elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems.”

The advice distributed says, “If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you should seek medical advice.”

The elevated turbidity was apparently “caused by an upset in the performance of filters at the East Lansing – Meridian Water Treatment Plant.” This is the plant that provides drinking water. (The plant that treats wastewater is separate.)

The City says that, “As of 10:00 a.m. on August 5^th, filter performance has been restored and turbidity levels at the Plant are returning to normal. Water samples are being taken throughout the City and Township to determine if any microbial contamination has occurred, but results of those samples will not be available for at least 24 hours.”

The expectation is that the boil-water order will continue for 24 to 48 hours. We will post a notice when the order is lifted.

The City asks that you “share this information with other people who drink this water, especially anyone who may not get this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses).”