KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – As further tests continue, the City of Kalamazoo has issued a boil water advisory for a large portion of the city and surrounding areas because of E.coli bacteria found in one sample Friday.
According to city officials, when bacteria is detected, three repeat samples are collected. One repeat sample was total coliform-positive but did not contain E. coli. The other two repeat samples did not contain bacteria.
Because one sample contained E. coli and a repeat sample was positive for total coliform, a violation occurred. A public notice is required for this violation.
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Services is now conducting additional sampling to determine the extent of the problem and to determine the source of the contamination.
The boil water advisory applies to most neighborhoods in Kalamazoo, the downtown, and Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College campuses.
Also included are portions of the City of Portage north of I-94, and portions of Comstock, Pavillion, and Cooper townships served by the City of Kalamazoo water system.
Municipal water customers within the affected area should not drink the water without boiling it first.
Customers should use bottled water or bring tap water to a rolling boil and boil for at least two minutes before using it for drinking, making ice, preparing food, brushing teeth, washing dishes, or other consumptive purposes.
The city says E. coli are bacteria whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Human pathogens in these wastes can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely-compromised immune systems.
The drinking water warning will remain in effect until the City determines that the affected water is safe for normal use and the warning can be lifted.
The city anticipates resolving the problem by Tuesday, September 22.
No special precautionary measures are necessary for water used for bathing or showering unless otherwise directed by the City or the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department.
Information on the Boil Water Advisory, and a map of the Low and High Pressure Districts, are also available at Boil Water Advisory: LOW and HIGH Pressure Districts City of Kalamazoo
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