Delta Township Boil Water Advisory and Road Closure Following Water Main Break

DELTA TOWNSHIP — The intersection of St. Joe Highway and Canal Road is closed and all municipal water customers in Delta Township are under a precautionary Boil Water Advisory after a water main ruptured, township officials said Thursday.

The break knocked out water pressure across the system, prompting the advisory out of concern that bacteria could enter the lines. Residents must boil water before drinking or cooking until further notice. Drivers, meanwhile, are being detoured around the shut-down intersection.

Crews Work the Broken Line as Traffic Reroutes

As of Thursday afternoon, Delta Township crews were on the site repairing the damaged line while also working to determine what caused the rupture. The intersection of St. Joe Highway and Canal Road remained closed into the afternoon.

Officials are rerouting traffic around the work zone and have asked drivers to avoid Canal between Michigan and St. Joe. No timeline has been given for when the intersection will reopen.

Why the Boil Water Advisory Was Ordered

In a Thursday afternoon update, township officials issued the precautionary advisory, citing the drop in pressure in the water supply — a condition that can allow bacteria to enter the system.

Township officials said “corrective measures are currently being undertaken” to restore the system’s integrity. Until that work is complete, residents remain required to boil their water before consuming it.

State Oversight and the 48-Hour Clock

The township is coordinating with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and following state guidelines throughout the incident.

Those guidelines set the terms for the advisory’s end: it cannot be lifted until at least 48 hours after water service is fully restored. Customers will be notified once the advisory is lifted.