VICKSBURG, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Village of Vicksburg has issued a drinking water boil advisory after detecting the presence of coliform bacteria in routine city water samples.
Citizens are advised to either use bottled water or boil city tap water for a minute and let it cool before consumption. The same goes for cooking, ice cubes, brushing teeth, or washing plates.
According to an official press release, coliform bacteria is not generally harmful in and of itself, as it is present in nature, but can be an indicator that more harmful bacteria is also present.
“Usually, coliforms are a sign that there could be a problem with the treatment or distribution system (pipes),” the release reads. “Whenever we detect bacteria coliform in any sample, we do follow-up testing to see if other bacteria of greater concern, such as fecal coliform or E. Coli, are present. We have not found any of these bacteria in our testing. If we had, we would have notified you immediately. However, we are still finding coliforms in the drinking water.”
Pregnant or nursing women and people with weak immune systems may be more at-risk for harm.
In response, Vicksburg has added more chlorine to their water supply. The Village is also working with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to deal with the problem.
The advisory will remain in place until the bacteria is eliminated from the water supply. Vicksburg says it will be resolved as soon as possible.
