Until further notice, a boil water advisory was issued about 9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23, for the following Oakland County communities:
Commerce Township, Farmington Hills (north of I-696), Novi (the area bounded by 14 Mile on the north, 8 mile on the south, Napier on the west and Haggerty on the east), Oakland Township (specifically the subdivisions: The Hills of Oakland and Kings Pointe), Rochester Hills (north of Hamlin and west of Livernois), Walled Lake, West Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Township (the area bounded by South Blvd. on the north, 14 Mile on the south, Inkster on the west and Adams Road on the East), and Wixom.
- Commerce Township
- Farmington Hills (north if Interstate 696)
- Novi (the area bounded by 14 Mile on the north, 8 mile on the south, Napier on the west and Haggerty on the east)
- Oakland Township (specifically the subdivisions: The Hills of Oakland and Kings Pointe)
- Rochester Hills (north of Hamlin and west of Livernois)
- Walled Lake
- West Bloomfield Township
- Bloomfield Township (the area bounded by South Blvd. on the north, 14 Mile on the south, Inkster on the west and Adams Road on the east)
- Wixom
Health officials say the advisory is a precaution after a water main running along 14 Mile Road between Farmington and Drake burst and lost pressure, which creates conditions for possible contamination.
“Whenever a water system loses pressure for any significant length of time, precautionary measures are recommended since a loss of pressure can lead to bacterial contamination in the water system,” Oakland health officials said. “Bacteria are generally not harmful and are common throughout our environment.
“Boiling water before using it will kill bacteria and other organisms that may be in the water.”
The county recommends boiling water for at least one minute before making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and preparing food.
The boil water advisory will be lifted once proper sample tests showing the water is clear of contaminates are conducted.
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.