QUINNESEC — The Breitung Township Department of Public Works will add a small amount of chlorine to the Quinnesec water system as a precautionary measure after routine monitoring detected the presence of bacteria.

Under the direction of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, the DPW will chlorinate for the next couple of weeks, according to a release from DPW Superintendent Jay Davis.

Testing detected the presence of coliform bacteria in the water system. Coliform bacteria naturally are present in the environment and generally are not harmful. They are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful bacteria may be present, the release stated.

“Whenever we detect coliform bacteria in any sample, we do follow-up testing to see if other bacteria of greater concern, such as E. coli, are present,” Davis stated. “No E. coli has been detected in the distribution system and there is no need for a boil advisory.”

If E. coli is detected during subsequent sampling, residents will be notified immediately, the release stated.

Anyone with questions or concerns can call Davis at 906-779-2064 or email jdavis@breitungtwp.org.