A portion of Kalamazoo Township is on high alert as residents have been told to boil their water before using it for consumption. This advisory comes in the wake of a water main break that occurred along West Main Street, according to WOOD TV. The alert, issued as a precautionary measure, is expected to last until Sunday, May 12.

The trouble began when crews, tasked to readily fix the water infrastructure, experienced a drop in pressure that can potentially allow bacteria to quickly enter the system. As a result, the Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department backed the advisory to ensure public safety. Locals are strongly encouraged to either use bottled water or to boil tap water for a full minute, making sure to let it cool before use as per a statement obtained by 13 ON YOUR SIDE.

The impacted areas consist of stretches along West Main Street from Wealthy Street to Pinehurst Boulevard, Jennison Avenue between Kenwood Street and West Main Street, and all of East Westwood Drive down to West Westwood Drive. The northwest corner of Pinehurst Boulevard and West Main Street is notably excluded from the advisory. "Everyone in the affected area should boil their water for at least two minutes before consuming it. It’s safe to bathe in the water without boiling it." the safety alert recommended by WOOD TV advised.

There have been no confirmed reports of bacterial contamination in the water mains as of Thursday's date. However, the city isn't taking any chance and chooses to remain cautious until all test results are in. "Initial water sampling results are expected to be available Friday, and a final set is expected Saturday," officials from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Services told News Channel 3. During this interim, the advisory stays in place, prompting calls for the community to maintain vigilance in their water usage.