Bulk water available to Whiteford Township residents affected by fuel leak

Staff Reports
Updated ·2 min read

OTTAWA LAKE — Portable bulk water is now available to Whiteford Township residents affected by March 28’s fuel oil leak near the North Branch Ottawa River, also known as Tenmile Creek, from the U.S. 23-U.S. 223 intersection, extending near the state line. Bottled water also will continue to be available through Friday.

The Monroe County Health Department began testing water in the area on Monday. Results are pending.

Previous Coverage: Diesel fuel oil leak in Whiteford Township

Previous Coverage: Following fuel oil leak, water will be sampled in Whiteford Township

“Residents can fill containers at the Whiteford Volunteer Fire Department Station, 9244 Whiteford-Center Road,” the Monroe County Health Department said in a news release. “Any resident of Whiteford Township who has concerns about the safety of their home or business drinking water supply are encouraged to consider utilizing bottled water for consumption (drinking, cooking, bathing and brushing teeth). This decision should be based on the taste, smell or sight (sheen) of their on-site water supply (well).”

The potable water tanker will be located behind the Whiteford Volunteer Fire Department and will be available 24 hours a day. Residents must bring their own containers. Prior to use, residents should boil the water if the transport containers are not considered for potable use, the health department said.

"After filling your containers, please remember to fully close the valve prior to leaving. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office will maintain patrols of the filling station," the health department said.

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The Monroe County Health Department offered residents bottled water Saturday through Tuesday. Bottled water will continue to be available from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday.

For more information, contact the Environmental Health Division at 734-240-7900 or eh_frontdesk@monroemi.org. Local public health information and updates are available at healthymonroecounty.com and on social media (@MCHDMichigan).

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Bulk water available to Whiteford Township residents after fuel leak