GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — People in Grand Rapids are being asked to boil their water and take other measures after a water main break Sunday afternoon.
According to Wayne Jernberg, the city’s water system manager, the break happened around 1:30 p.m. in a remote area near Carrier Creek off of Union Avenue and Leonard Street.
It created an issue that impacted multiple water pressure districts on the northeast side of Grand Rapids, which then caused city officials to issue a boil-water advisory.
“The pressure drop from that break created an issue at our Livingston Pump Station on the discharge side [which] caused our pressure switches there to go into alert and shut the pumps off,” said Jernberg. “When those pumps shut off, it effectively killed service to the northeast side. Our Knapp tank drained rather quickly, obviously, because of demands in the system.”
Loss of pressure during a water main break can allow bacteria to enter a system.
“When there's a loss of pressure in the system, there's a chance that harmful, harmful things from the ground can end back up in the water system," said Jernberg. "If you boil it, you're essentially killing off any pathogens.”
Jernberg says homes and business, as of Sunday evening, should have access to water again; however, customers should continue to boil water or use bottled water before cooking, consuming or cleaning.
The affected area spans east of the Grand River; north of Hall Street between Fuller and Ionia Avenues; and north of Fulton Street until Four Mile Road.
“If you're in that zone, … boil your water, be safe, don't take any chances,” said Jernberg. “Those outside of that region, there are no issues; the water is completely safe.”
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According to Jernberg, what caused the break remains under investigation.
Jernberg notes on Monday, after crews finish repairs on the break, the city will begin to send samples of the water to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for quality testing. They must return clear results for a 48-hour period before the boil advisory can be lifted.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), water should be boiled for at least one minute and allowed to cool to effectively kill any bacteria that may be in it. Water filtered through a tap or pitcher, like a Brita, should be boiled too.
The CDC says under a boil advisory, it is safe to wash one’s hands, do laundry and shower as long as none of the water is swallowed.
Side effects of drinking contaminated water include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever.
Watch the full press conference here:
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