Wakefield, MI. (April 26, 2023)- Our water system testing detected a fecal indicator (E. coli) in the City of Wakefield’s wells (pre-treatment). As our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we are doing to correct this situation. On April 24, 2023, we collected a sample from the City of Wakefield’s wells. The sample tested positive for E. Coli. We are now conducting additional sampling of the well to determine the extent of the problem and are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the source of the contamination.

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using, or use bottled water. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and preparing food. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. Continue using boiled or bottled water until further notice.

This boil water notice shall remain in effect until results from the sampling verify that the water is safe to drink. Customers will be advised when the boil water advisory has been lifted. The boil notice includes customers of the Gogebic Range Water Authority (Bessemer Township, Ironwood Township, and Wakefield Township).

We recognize that the Water Boil Advisory will create an inconvenience for the community, for which we send our apologies. The safety of our drinking water remains paramount, and we continue to strive not only to meet but to exceed state and federal standards and deliver superior drinking water to our community.

If you have questions concerning this matter, you may contact Dave Semenak, Water Operator, at 906.364.2886 or Robert Brown Jr, City Manager, at 906.229.5131 ext 1003.