Wakefield ends water boil advisory

WAKEFIELD — The city of Wakefield has announced the end of an advisory for residents to boil water before drinking.

A city press release issued on Wednesday at 1:45 p.m. notes that the advisory issued on Monday morning has been “fully lifted.”

According to the announcement issued by City Manager Robert Brown Jr., “The water boil advisory was issued due to a sudden loss in water pressure below acceptable levels throughout the city’s water distribution system.”

That issue, which resulted after a communication error between the city’s water pump station and the city’s two water towers, occurred on Sunday between about 1 p.m. and 10 p.m.

As a result, property owners experienced problems with water clarity and pressure and — in some cases — loss of service.

“Over the last 48 hours, the city completed bacteriological sampling throughout the community,” stated Wednesday’s announcement. “Six water samples sent to an independent lab for testing indicate that the city’s drinking water was, and is, safe for human consumption.”

Brown explained that city water utility personnel have assured that adequate water pressure now exists. In addition, he stated that “chlorine levels have been restored, and bacteriological monitoring shows the water is free of contamination.”

The city notice concludes by recognizing the difficulty caused by the precautions recommended between Monday and Wednesday morning.

“We recognize the precautionary water boil advisory created an inconvenience for the community, for which we send our apologies,” states the release. “The safety of our drinking water remains paramount, and we continue to strive not only to meet but to exceed state and federal standards and deliver superior drinking water to our community.”

Residents with any further questions may call Dave Semenak, water operator, at 906-364-2886 or Brown at 906-229-5131 ext. 1003.

—P.J. Glisson