Macomb County boil water advisory remains in place Wednesday - Detroit Free Press

Macomb County boil water advisory remains in place Wednesday

Bacteria concerns keep Macomb County communities under a boil water advisory Wednesday
Frank Witsil

A boil water advisory remains in effect Wednesday for five Macomb County municipalities after a water main break, according to the Great Lakes Water Authority.

The concern is that the leak may have exposed the water system to harmful bacteria and organisms. The affected municipalities are Chesterfield Township, Lenox Township, Macomb Township, the Village of New Haven and the City of Rochester.

To be safe, the water authority is urging residents in those communities to boil water for at least a minute and then letting it cool before drinking it or use bottled water. That includes boiling tap water to make ice, wash dishes, brush your teeth and prepare meals.

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The break in a 36-inch main on 24 Mile near North Avenue, which was reported at about 6 a.m. Tuesday, led to a loss or pressure. It was restored, but officials are still testing the water to make sure it is safe to drink. Water was rerouted to a 42-inch main that runs parallel to the damaged, concrete pipe from 1973.

The water authority said Tuesday it usually takes about two days to analyze the tests and lift the advisory.

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.