Washtenaw County Officials Issue "Do Not Drink Water Advisory" for Sylvan Township After Treatment Plant Break-In
Residents of Sylvan Township in Washtenaw County should refrain from using tap water for drinking, cooking, or for their pets, following a security breach at the local water treatment plant. According to CBS News Detroit, a "do not drink water advisory" has been put into effect for individuals receiving municipal water from the Sylvan Township Water Treatment Plant. The warning was initially disseminated on social media by the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office on Monday.
The security incident involved unauthorized access and tampering with the plant's control system. A 33-year-old Belleville man was arrested after Michigan State Police responded to the situation early Monday morning, discovering he had cut through a protective fence to enter the facility. Robert Scull, the administrator of Sylvan Township's Department of Public Works, said, as per FOX 2 Detroit, "They flipped switches – turned things on and off," highlighting the need to thoroughly check the system before resuming normal water use.
While there is currently no visible sign of contamination in the water, extensive testing is necessary to fully ensure its safety. Engaging with the public, township officials have advised against drinking tap water or using it for personal hygiene purposes until results confirm the water's quality. In response to concerns, the township is providing bottled water for affected residents at the Township Hall. Scull anticipates a conclusive update today, as per CBS News Detroit.
The intrusion also involved bizarre actions on the part of the suspect, including painting crosses inside the building and creating a makeshift bed from plant items. Scull described to FOX 2 Detroit how the intruder "spray-painted the building's windows," presumably to hide his presence. While this incident appears to be limited to the treatment plant, there are indications that the suspect attempted to similarly target other local infrastructure elements.
This security breach comes as a rare and disconcerting event for a community that depends on the essential service of clean water. Scull disclosed it's the first occurrence of this severity in nearly 25 years. Community members are asked to report any water quality discrepancies or suspicious activities involving public infrastructure by contacting township water officials or law enforcement directly. Sylvan Township officials and local law enforcement continue to investigate the full scope and potential impact of the breach, eagerly awaiting the pending water quality test results, as per FOX 2 Detroit.
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