UPDATE 3: Drinking Water Advisory continues for Atlantic Mine, Hancock, parts of Franklin and Portage townships

[Editor's Update 3: Western UP Health Department reports on Wednesday, Apr. 28, that the affected water main has been repaired, but the boil water advisory continues for the areas listed below until results from water sampling indicate the water is safe to drink. WUPHD adds that Food Service Establishment operators must follow the instructions in the "Emergency Action Plans for Retail Establishments" in order to remain open during a water boil advisory. Restaurants, bars, retail food and food processors shall not use the water for drinking, making beverages or ice, or for food preparation. See wupdhd.org for the document.]

UPDATED: ATLANTIC MINE, HANCOCK, FRANKLIN AND PORTAGE TOWNSHIPS --  Due to a water main break and pressure loss of the water system in Adams Township, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has issued a precautionary boil water advisory for Atlantic Mine, City of Hancock, Quincy Hill area of Franklin Township and portions of Portage Township -- which are supplied with municipal drinking water from Adams Township (Houghton County). Affected customers in Portage Township have been notified by the municipality.

Bacteria are common throughout the environment and generally are not harmful. However, whenever a water system is damaged or loses pressure for any significant length of time, precautionary measures are recommended until the system is tested and confirmed safe for drinking. DO NOT DRINK WATER BEFORE BOILING IT FIRST! Until further notice, water boiled for two minutes and let cool before using or bottled water should be used for drinking; brushing teeth; making ice, coffee, pop or other beverages; washing dishes; and preparing food.

The City of Hancock is working to get pressure restored, and water staff will be taking other remedial actions such as flushing and collecting bacteriological samples from around the system. The samples will be collected to determine that the water quality meets the state drinking water standards.

This precautionary boil water advisory remains in effect until the main is repaired and results from water sampling verify the water is safe to drink. Another notice will be issued when the boil water advisory has been lifted. The City of Hancock anticipates solving this problem within 48 hours, approximately by Thursday afternoon, April 29.

For more information please contact Bill Marlor, Hancock Department of Public Works (DPW) director, at 906-482-1480 or dpwdirector@cityofhancock.net. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791. 

Please share this notice with other people who drink this water by distributing this notice or posting in a public place.

If you have questions during the boil water advisory period, contact Tanya Rule, WUPHD Environmental Health Director, at (906) 482-7382.