Authorities issued a boil-water advisory for over 900,000 people in southeastern Michigan on Saturday, but later reduced it to 13 communities.
The Great Lakes Water Authority revealed a break in a crucial pipe in St. Clair County, which transports treated water from Lake Huron and is the system’s largest.
“A loss of pressure can lead to bacterial contamination in the water system. … Boiling water before using it will kill bacteria and other organisms that may be in the water,” the agency, known as GLWA, said.
The boil recommendation initially affected approximately two dozen cities and townships, according to GLWA. However, it reduced the number after discovering that water pressure in some places, including Pontiac, Rochester Hills, Sterling Heights, and Troy, did not fall below a certain target level.
Flint stated that it had switched to a separate water supply.
“Once the leak is isolated, crews will begin to open emergency connections to other mains in the system to restore some flow to the impacted communities,” the agency said.
Governor Whitmer initiated the State Emergency Operations Center at 4 p.m. Saturday, causing all state resources available to assist local areas as needed. So far, the SEOC is continuing to work to fulfill bottled water demands. According to a press statement from Michigan State Police, conditions and needs will continue to be evaluated.
