KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A boil water advisory was issued Saturday for all City of Kalamazoo water customers.
According to city officials, E. coli bacteria was found in one sample Friday; three repeat samples were collected, and one sample was total coliform-positive, but did not contain E. coli.
Crews with the Kalamazoo City Emergency Management are collecting additional samples to determine the extent of the problem.
BWA 2026 09-19 HIGH LOW EcoliPDF previewPreview PDF
The boil water advisory applies only to those consuming water within the City of Kalamazoo’s Low and High pressure districts.
Customers should use bottled water or bring tap water to a rolling boil and boil for at least two minutes before using it for drinking, making ice, preparing food, brushing teeth, washing dishes, or other consumptive purposes, city officials said in a post.
There are no special precautionary measures for water used for bathing or showering, according to city officials.
E. coli is a bacteria that indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes, according to health officials. They may pose a greater health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems.
City crews anticipate resolving the problem by Tuesday, Sept. 22.
For more information, contact the City of Kalamazoo at 311 or (269) 337-8000 during business hours. For water emergencies, contact the City of Kalamazoo Water Emergency number at (269) 337-8148.