Boil Water Advisory Affects Life in Flint

A boil water advisory for Flint, including UM-Flint, was recently lifted.  Although classes at UM-Flint were not cancelled, the water advisory still had an effect on the university, particularly those living in the First Street Residence Hall.

“It was horrible,” said Niesha Thompson, a sophomore nursing student who lives in the residence hall. “We learned about it mainly through e-mail and signs up in the UCEN, but it’s not like anyone ran around warning people.”

The first day of the water advisory an e-mail was sent out warning those in Flint not to drink any water from water fountains or sinks unless it had been boiled for at least one minute. The process of boiling water kills the potential for bacteria to grow in the water.

Local restaurants served bottled water instead of tap water and soda was served in cans instead of from fountains.

Required bacteriological testing conducted confirmed that the water quality meets the state drinking water standards, and so the boil water advisory that began June 17, ended June 20.

Mike Lane, UM-Flint Environmental Health and Safety Manager sent an e-mail that said, “The city’s testing confirmed that the water is safe to drink and no additional precautions concerning water usage is required.”

Repair work continues on the 72-inch water main that delivers water from the Detroit water system. The section of pipeline being repaired is located on Genesee Road.

Meanwhile, the Flint Water Department asks residents to voluntarily restrict their outside water usage, such as washing cars, watering lawns and any other unnecessary uses, until work on the water main is completed.

If anyone would like more information about the water service in the city of Flint, call 810-766-7202 

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