Bellaire residents urged to limit water use as sewer system strains after heavy rainfall

ANTRIM COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) — Bellaire residents are being asked by the Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) to limit water use to essential needs only.

According to the HDNW, recent rainfall and extreme groundwater saturation have caused capacity issues with the village’s sanitary sewer collection system and wastewater treatment plan.

HDNW said to manage the excess flow and reduce strain on the system, the wastewater treatment plant will temporarily bypass a portion of the treatment process. Partially treated wastewater is currently being discharged into the surrounding wetlands.

How you can help:

Limit water use to essential needs only: flushing toilets, basic sanitation (hand washing, minimal hygiene), cooking-related water use.Disconnect sump pumps from the sewer collection system.

Ways to reduce water usage:

Avoid long showers or baths.Do not run laundry.Avoid any non-essential water use that drains into the sewer system.

For your safety:

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Do not enter or come in contact with affected water.Do not fish or consume any fish from Lake Bellaire and the surrounding areas.