Water authorities have confirmed the boil water notice for Michigan has been officially lifted. Read the guidance below before returning to normal tap water use.
The boil water notice affecting Michigan has been officially lifted as of February 23, 2026. Residents may now return to using tap water, but water authorities recommend taking a few precautionary steps before resuming normal use. Track all active and recently lifted US notices on our live US boil water notice tracker.
Steps to Take Before Using Tap Water Again
Even after a boil water notice is officially lifted, some steps are recommended to flush any residual risk from your household plumbing and appliances:
- Flush cold water taps — Run every cold water tap in your home for at least two to three minutes to clear any stagnant water from household pipes.
- Flush your water heater — Run hot water taps for several minutes, or consider flushing the water heater tank if the notice was extended.
- Replace water filter cartridges — If you have an in-line or pitcher filter, replace the cartridge now. The filter may have captured contaminants during the notice period.
- Flush refrigerator water and ice — Discard any ice made during the notice period and run the ice maker through two or three cycles before using. Flush the refrigerator water dispenser for several minutes.
- Clean and sanitise — Sanitise items that came into contact with tap water during the notice period, including baby bottles, kitchen utensils, and food preparation surfaces.
Understanding Your Water System
Now that the immediate notice has been lifted, it is worth understanding what caused it and what it reveals about your local water system. See our page for historical data on Michigan’s water quality, past compliance records, and what contaminants are typically present between incidents. Our Michigan water quality overview provides broader context on water quality trends across the state.
For ongoing water safety news and alerts, bookmark our water alert news section and our live US boil water notice tracker — the fastest way to check the status of any US water system in real time.
The end of a boil water notice is the ideal time to consider a certified water filter — so you are protected before the next event, not scrambling during it. See our water filter guide for NSF-certified reverse osmosis systems that provide continuous protection against bacteria, PFAS, heavy metals, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the water in Michigan safe to drink now the notice has been lifted?
Yes — once a boil water notice is officially lifted by the issuing water authority, tap water has been tested and confirmed safe for drinking and normal use. However, it is recommended to flush your taps and household appliances before returning to full normal use, as stagnant water may remain in household pipes. Replace any water filter cartridges that were in use during the notice period.
Do I need to flush my pipes after a boil water notice is lifted?
Yes, flushing is recommended. Run every cold water tap in your home for two to three minutes to clear water that has been sitting in household plumbing during the notice period. Run hot water taps for several minutes as well. Replace pitcher and inline filter cartridges, flush your refrigerator water and ice dispenser, and discard ice made during the notice. These steps ensure any residual risk in household plumbing is cleared before you return to normal use.
Source: Latest coverage via Google News. Always confirm directly with your local water authority that the notice has been lifted for your specific address.