HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. – Highland Park officials addressed the recent back-to-back boil water advisories in the city on Monday.
Previous coverage: Residents frustrated as Highland Park remains under boil water advisory
Damond Garrett, the director of the Highland Park Water Department, said the city’s water infrastructure is over a century old and is under more stress than ever.
He said there are two ongoing water main projects to address the issue, but recent water main breaks are adding pressure to an already fragile system. They said the recent advisories and low water pressure “wasn’t anticipated” while working on the projects.
Garrett said all water mains in the city will be replaced within the next five to seven years, which it hopes will alleviate some of the financial burden on customers.
Highland Park Mayor Glenda McDonald said the city will begin bottled water distribution on April 1. She said they’re working to get more donors to help provide water to residents.
“We’re working diligently,” said McDonald.
Garrett said they are hoping the issues will be resolved within the next three days.
Residents are advised to follow these guidelines during the boil water advisory:
- Do not drink tap water without boiling it first.
- Boil water for one minute, then let it cool before using.
- Use bottled water instead for drinking, preparing baby formula, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and preparing food.
Boiling kills bacteria and other harmful organisms. Residents should continue using boiled or bottled water until further notice. If using a lead-reducing filter, filter the water before boiling and replace the filter cartridge after the advisory is lifted.
The Highland Park Water Department is working to restore water pressure to normal levels. Once levels return to normal, water quality samples will be taken per EGLE standards before the boil water advisory is lifted.
For regular updates, residents can visit the Highland Park Water Department’s website at highlandparkmi.gov/services/water or call the customer service line at 313-865-1876.
The Highland Park Water Department serves approximately 8,500 residents daily through a network of 60 miles of water main and collects wastewater through 120 miles of sewer main. The department is dedicated to transparency and community engagement, striving to provide reliable water services to meet the community’s needs.
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