Police chief says city’s response to water emergency was ‘flawless’
Water distribution events in both Imlay City and Almont began on Wednesday, August 17 and extended through Saturday, which happened to be the day the boil water advisory was lifted.
Here’s a summary of how those distribution events went.
IMLAY CITY — On Monday, Imlay City Police Chief Brett Selby described the city’s response to the boil water advisory and subsequent water shortage as being “flawless.”
“This was a good test run for an even bigger emergency situation in the future,” Selby said. “I want to thank our police officers, our firefighters, DPW staff, Imlay city officials and city office staff for pitching in to help out.
“I also want to thank Great Lakes Water Authority, the City of Romeo for providing two pallets of bottled water, and everyone who volunteered with the water distribution process.
“This was an outstanding example of our citizens all coming together to deal with the situation.”
Distribution events were held at the Eastern Michigan State Fairgrounds on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. On Wednesday, the line of cars waiting for water stretched out onto Almont Ave. in both directions. Near the end of Wednesday’s event, city residents were being limited to two gallons of water.
Demand appeared to have dropped somewhat by Friday when city residents were able to access water supplies that day around 11 a.m. without any wait.
ALMONT — Village Manager David Trent reported that residents started to line up 15-20 minutes before the first water distribution event on Wed., Aug. 17.
He explained that just under 20 pallets of water had been delivered earlier that week and residents were
given three gallons of water or one case of 24 bottles.
Trent shared that water was also delivered to the senior community at The Bells.
Clinton Farley, Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor, said the first day went well thanks to the assistance of village officials including Village Clerk/Treasurer Kim Keesler, Parks Board member Bernie Calka, Village Council member Jim Aleck, Waste Water Treatment Plant employee Merl Crisman, Police Chief Andrew Martin DPW Supt. Bryan Treat, DPW employee Issac Treat and Trent.
Tom Wearing started at the Tri-City Times in 1989, covering the Village of Capac as a beat reporter. He later served stints as assistant editor and editor. Today, he covers Imlay City and Almont as a staff writer. He enjoys music and plays drums and sings with various musical groups in the Detroit Metropolitan area.
