The City of Niles issued an update Thursday afternoon on their boil order for at several hundred residents. The boil order began earlier this week after normal testing revealed the presence of coliform bacteria.
According to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Coliform bacteria are found in soil, surface water, on plants, and in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and people. One type of coliform bacteria called Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a sign that fecal waste is in the water. Some types of E. coli in drinking water can make you sick.
Most coliform bacteria are not harmful. However, some can make you sick. A person that has been exposed to these bacteria may have an upset stomach, vomiting, fever, or diarrhea. Children and the elderly are more at risk from these bacteria.
The latest update from the City of Niles as of Thursday at 3:33pm ET:
Our water system detected the presence of coliform bacteria in the water supply. We routinely monitor for the presence of drinking water contaminants. The City of Niles conducted five samples for coliform bacteria during the month of July. Two of those samples showed the presence of coliform bacteria.
WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If you are located within the affected areas, shown below, DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using. Those located in the affected areas can also opt to use bottled water instead for the time being. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and preparing food. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.
CONTINUE USING BOILED OR BOTTLED WATER UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
