Sylvan Township residents are encouraged not to drink water after breach, officials say

Sylvan Township residents are encouraged to avoid drinking and using their tap water system after a breach at the Sylvan Township Water Treatment Plant, officials say.

Residents were notified Monday that damage had occurred to the township's water treatment plant with tampering involving the control system, as well as interior plant damage.

Officials say other attempts to damage local infrastructure have happened and that they are working with local law enforcement and state officials to investigate.

There is no visual evidence that the water was contaminated, officials say and that testing needs to be done to ensure the safety of drinking water for residents.

Residents are encouraged to use bottled water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, preparing food, making ice and giving water to pets. Updated information will be communicated as necessary.

More:As Michigan warms up, groups want FEMA to recognize extreme heat as 'major disaster'

Please notify the township water officials at 734 475-8890 ext. 112 promptly if you notice any changes in the quality of your water.

If you have noticed any suspicious activity related to tampering with public infrastructure in the community, please contact local law enforcement at 810-227-1051.

City officials in Chelsea, which borders Sylvan Township, alerted residents that the Chelsea City Water Plant is a separate facility, and the city water is safe for Chelsea residents, but reiterated that Sylvan Township residents should not drink the water at this time.

Jalen Williams is an intern at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.