Wakefield issues boil advisory after pump station error

By P.J. GLISSON

[email protected]

Wakefield — The city of Wakefield is recommending a boil advisory for its residents after a Sunday pump station error created problems with water clarity and pressure and — in some cases — a loss of service.

“While under the advisory, residents should not drink the water without boiling the water first,” said City Manager Robert Brown Jr. in a Monday press release.

He added, “During times of low water pressure, groundwater has the potential to infiltrate the city’s old water system, which is why a precautionary boil advisory is recommended.”

Despite the recommendation, Brown said, “Bacteria are generally not harmful and are common throughout our environment.”

He assured, “If you consumed water that was potentially contaminated before you were aware of the boil advisory, the likelihood of becoming ill is very low. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, with or without fever, should contact their healthcare provider.”

The press release said the city, as of Monday morning, also has started bacteriological testing at three locations within the water system. The city will repeat the testing on this morning, and results are expected by Thursday.

Brown explained that the problem began at about 1 p.m. on Sunday when “the city experienced a communication error between the city’s water pump station and the city’s two water towers, which resulted in below average water levels within the towers.”

The pressure was restored by 6 p.m. Sunday, with the water system returning to normal four hours later, according to the release.

A Sunday press release from the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department in Hancock also recommends that residents without clear water should use bottled water instead.

“Basic recovery after pressure loss includes flushing pipes, faucets, and drinking foundations for at least five minutes unless otherwise directed by your local utility,” states the WUPHD release. “If you experience any discolored water, continue flushing until clear.” 

The health department further advises, “When water service is restored, food establishment operators who experienced an interruption of water service or water quality issues (such as discolored water) must follow the instructions in the ‘Emergency Action Plans for Retail Food Establishments’ guide in order to reopen and serve water or use water for cooking purposes.”

More information — including access to the emergency guide noted above — is available from the WUPHD at 906-482-7382.