Residents Can Resume Normal Water Use After Safety Tests

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Residents along Cliff Street, Douglas Street and Main Street can stop boiling their tap water. The city issued a boil water advisory Wednesday, but after completing follow-up sampling, officials found no coliform bacteria in the water supply.

"The City of Battle Creek has determined it is no longer necessary to use bottled water or to boil tap water before drinking or cooking," city officials wrote in a Thursday release.

Water main breaks cause a sudden drop in pressure, which can allow bacteria to enter the water system. The boil water advisory was issued as a precaution to protect public health while crews worked to restore pressure.

"When the pressure dips below a certain level, there is a potential for bacteria to enter the system," city officials said in a release.

The advisory affected these locations:

  • Cliff Street, house numbers 390 through 409
  • Douglas Street, house numbers 15 through 25
  • 283 Main Street

Crews are working to restore normal water pressure as soon as possible. Residents should contact the City of Battle Creek Department of Public Works at (269) 966-3493 for updates on the status of the water system.

Precautionary Measure Follows Infrastructure Work

The city shut down a portion of the water system for improvements or repairs. When water pressure drops below a certain level, there is potential for bacteria to enter the distribution system and contaminate the water supply.

State law requires utilities to monitor water quality continuously, especially when infrastructure work affects water pressure. The boil water advisory remained in effect until test samples met the water quality standards.

Once the advisory was lifted, the city will post updates on its website. Residents who consumed water from the affected areas during the advisory period can resume normal water use.

Residents Can Resume Normal Water Use

The city of Battle Creek issued the boil water advisory on April 1, 2026. After follow-up testing confirmed no coliform bacteria was present, officials determined the water supply was safe for consumption.

Residents in the affected areas can now use tap water for drinking, cooking and other household purposes without boiling it first.

Sources

  • City of Battle Creek Department of Public Works
  • WWMT News Channel 3