Union Township water distribution system could also be contaminated; consumers will receive notice

Those who consume water through Union Township's distribution system will soon receive notice of possible contamination.

As previously reported by Central Michigan Life, some residents of University Meadows received notice that a sample conducted by Union Township on Feb. 14 came back positive for E. coli.

All water users in the township are to receive the notice, said Kim Smith, public works coordinator at Union Township's distribution system.

"We shut down the well (8) when the sample came back," Smith said. "The repeat samples came back fine."

Five repeat samples were conducted on Well 8 after the initial one, which was the only one to came back positive for E. coli.

Samples positive for E. coli are caused by microbes indicating that the water may be contaminated with human or animal waste.

Union Township Distribution System identified in the notice that their water system detected fecal indicators (E. coli) in their distribution system and in Well 8.

University Meadows General Manager Sarah Cay said the complex sent their resident’s notice of the contamination on Wednesday, and they received the same notice residents did on the same day.

"We don't control the water supply," Cay said.

Smith said those who receive water from the township will be receiving notice because all of the water in their distribution system mixes.

The notice said residents do not need to boil their water or take other corrective actions.

However those experiencing health effects such as: diarrhea, nausea, cramps and associated headaches should seek medical attention should the symptoms persist.

Those at risk are infants, elderly and individuals with weak immune systems.

For ways to decrease risk of infection from microbes, call EPA's safe drinking water hotline (800) 426 - 4791.

Those worried about brown water need not be concerned, Smith said.

The brown color meant that there was an excess of iron in the water, she said.

The notice received by some University Meadows residents encourages those wanting more information to write to 2010 S. Lincoln Road, Mount Pleasant, Mich. for more information.

Further sampling will be conducted to identify a possible source of the contamination.

Check back with cm-life.com for updates on this story.