The City of Battle Creek has canceled the system-wide boil water advisory, and everyone on the city water system can drink and cook with city water.
The advisory was put in place Tuesday night after a 16-inch water main broke and leaked near the intersection of McCamly Street and Dickman Road. This caused a short-term drop in water pressure and water service for parts of the water system. City crews were able to isolate the area and redirect water from the damage, bringing pressure back up.
The advisory was a precautionary measure, as low water pressure could allow contamination to enter the water system.
The cancellation means that no bacteria was present in the water system, and customers can use tap water again immediately. Please be alert to the possibility of discolored water, caused by sediments in the system that are stirred up during a low-pressure situation. We expect the system to settle within a few days.
If you have discolored water:
- Before starting a load of laundry, fill your machine with water, and hold a white plate, piece of Styrofoam, or other white item in the water to see if it is clear.
- Perform a cold flush by following these steps:
- Do not run hot water. If you have a water softener, put it on bypass and remove the filter. Remove screens and aerators from all faucets.
- Turn on cold water. Turn on cold faucets inside and outside, weather permitting. Run water as hard as possible, and flush toilets, until water runs clear.
- Drain from water heater. After water runs clear, wait about 30 minutes for sediment to settle in hot water heater, then drain about one gallon from bottom drain valve into a bucket or other container.
