In an effort to protect the health and safety of the public, the Michigan Department of environmental Quality (MDEQ) has devised three public water warning notices in the event of an emergency.
Boil Water Notice - If this warning is issued, residents must bring all water to a boil for at least three minutes then let it cool before using. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and preparing food until further notice.
Do Not Drink Notice - If this warning is issued, residents should not use the water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, or preparing food until further notice.
Do Not Use Water Notice - This is the most severe warning issued. If issued, residents should not use the water for any reason. Bottled water should be used for all needs until further notice and resident should not, under any circumstance, run their water. That includes filling up bathtubs, flushing toilets or watering lawns.
Canton will only issue these warnings in the event of an emergency. If you are notified of a water emergency but you still lose water pressure or service, simply run your tap until the water becomes clear once the pressure has been restored.
By understanding the difference between these three warning you can better protect yourself and your family.
For questions regarding the public water warning notices please call Canton’s Public Works Division at 734/397-1011 or the MDEQ at 800/292-4706.