On March 17, the City of Grand Rapids is asking residents east of U.S. 131 and north of Hall Street to conserve and boil water after a large water main break on the city’s northeast side, impacting multiple water pumping pressure districts.
Grand Rapids Community College is within the boil water zone and issued an advisory to students and staff Sunday evening, asking those on campus not to use any of the water on campus until the advisory is lifted.
“The City of Grand Rapids has issued a boil water advisory that impacts our Main Campus. All staff and students on Main Campus are encouraged to bring their own drinking water with them tomorrow,” stated GRCC Communications via email. “All drinking fountains on campus will be shut off, and you should not drink the water on campus or use it for coffee until the advisory is lifted.”
City officials ask that residents in the affected areas not drink any tap water and boil water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute and cooling before drinking.
“We are continuing to monitor the situation and will update our campus community as we learn more from the city,” stated Interim Vice President of College Advancement and Executive Director of the GRCC Foundation Erin Van Egmond via text to The Collegiate. “Our facilities team is aware of the situation and precautions will be in place, as well as additional notices in kitchenettes and restrooms.”
Egmond explained that hand sanitizers will be available across campus for students and staff and will be routinely filled throughout the day. GRCC’s food services will open and will follow the protocols set by city officials.
“We will provide food service on campus with modifications made as necessary to comply with all needed safety protocols,” stated Egmond.
To report a water/sewer emergency, contact the city of Grand Rapids at (616) 456-3000 or 3-1-1.
