MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, Mich. — On Wednesday the Muskegon Heights community came together to make sure no one went without while the city worked to restore water to the area. After residents in Muskegon Heights were without water for more than 24 hours, the city announced all residents now have running water, although a boil water advisory is still in place.
Residents are excited to have working water again after a computer issue knocked out service Wednesday. Muskegon resident Calvin Jones said being without water for even just a day was difficult, realizing how it’s one of the things we sometimes take for granted.
“It impacted me a lot because I couldn’t get my shower and when I couldn't take a shower, I realized this was serious,” Jones said. "I couldn’t drink the water, I couldn’t even make my morning coffee or anything which I do every day. It was just frustrating.”
While the water is back on, people are still required to boil it before drinking, and that’s why many continue to take advantage of the free water giveaways.
“Yesterday at noon, no one had water, a lot of people did, most people didn't but today, everybody in Muskegon Heights have water and should have water,” interim city manager Melvin Burns said. "We're still encouraging people, really warning people and advising people to make sure they boil the water if you're going to consume it, brush your teeth, or use it to prepare food.”
The city said the first round of water tests came back clean, but they plan to continue to test it before the boil water advisory is lifted to ensure the safety of everyone impacted. Muskegon Heights Mayor Bonnie McGlothin said they hope to give the "all clear" on Saturday.
“We’re planning on going to restore the water and declare it safe by Saturday, but the report for today was great,” McGlothin said. "In 24 hours, we will be testing again and if that comes out okay, we probably are good to go, but we're going to hold off on the water usage until Saturday."
Jones said he’ll never take running water for granted again after having no choice but to go without it until city leaders worked around the clock to fix the water pressure.
“I’m happy that it’s back on even though we still have to put water on the stove and still boil it, so we have to do that for safety but I’m thankful and grateful now to have water again, I took it for granted at first,” Jones said.
The CDC recommends boiling water for at least one minute to ensure it’s safe to use the water.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.