Boil water advisory affects four Houghton County communities

Atlantic Mine, parts of Portage Township, the Quincy Hill neighborhood in Franklin Township, and the City of Hancock remain under a boil water advisory. Just after 8:00 Tuesday morning, Adams Township office manager Heather Platzke sent out a warning regarding a water main break. The subsequent pressure drop caused bacteria contamination to become a concern and state officials were brought in to begin testing a couple hours later for only Atlantic Mine.

The boil water advisory was then expanded around 2:30 PM to the other affected communities. The recommendation is still in effect Wednesday morning. Two minutes of boiling is suggested before water is consumed or used in food preparation.

The Western Upper Peninsula Health Department put out a release explaining the need for the precautions. “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. Water boiled for two minutes or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, coffee, pop or other beverages, and preparing food until further notice.”