Muskegon Heights testing water after pressure drop

MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, Mich. (WOOD) — The city of Muskegon Heights said it has started flushing hydrants after a drop in water system pressure prompted a boil advisory.

The boil water advisory remained in place Thursday, the city said. Everyone in the affected area should boil their water for at least one minute before consuming it. It’s safe to bathe in the water without boiling it.

Bottled water is available for pickup at the Muskegon Heights Farmers Market on Center Street near Baker Street from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and noon to 2 p.m. Friday.

Boil water advisory issued in Muskegon Heights

The advisory was issued Wednesday after the supervisory control and data acquisition experienced a malfunction, causing a drop in system pressure. Such pressure drops can allow bacteria to enter the system.

The city said it has confirmed the malfunction was not caused by an “outside intrusion” and that construction and maintenance work has not caused any problems.

Testing began Thursday morning to ensure the water is safe to drink and the first set of results should come back Friday. Multiple rounds of testing are done before boil water advisories are lifted.

The city said the hydrant flushing may make people’s water look cloudy or rusty.

“This is a normal part of the process and not a cause for concern,” the city wrote.

Updates on the advisory can be found on the city’s website.

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