Sylvan Township Reports a Break-in at its Water Treatment Plant

A man has been arrested in connection with the July 8 break in at the Sylvan Township Water Treatment Plant, according to Michigan State Police (MSP).

In alerting the community on July 8, Sylvan Township Supervisor Kathleen Kennedy said, “For the time being, out of extreme caution, we are advising no municipal water use, other than flushing toilets.”

Township officials said they discovered a security breach of the water treatment plant Monday morning, July 8.

“Damage was done to the interior of the plant including tampering of the controls system,” Sylvan Township’s alert notice said. “There is evidence of other attempts to damage local infrastructure. Township officials are working with local law enforcement and state officials to investigate.”

MSP said at 7 a.m. on July 8, “troopers from the Brighton Post were dispatched to the Sylvan Township water treatment plant located at 18755 Old US 12 Road Sylvan Township Washtenaw County.”

“Employees at the plant had reported upon their arrival, discovering that the building had been broken into,” MSP said. “As the trooper was taking the report, the suspect, a 33 year old male from Belleville, Mi was observed coming out of the building where he was arrested. Investigation showed that the suspect had broken into the plant causing damage to its interior and tampered with the system controls. There was also evidence of attempts to damage local infrastructure. It appears the suspect, had gained entry onto the property by cutting through a barbed wire fence. Upon making entry into the building he spray-painted the windows in what appeared to be an attempt to not be seen in the building. He also created a makeshift bed from items in the building. The suspect was lodged at the Washtenaw County Jail on numerous charges.”

In its July 8 notive, Sylvan Township said there is no visual evidence the water was contaminated, “but testing needs to be done to confirm.”

“Until we can ensure the safety of the drinking water residents are advised not to drink the water,” the township said on July 8. “The use of alternative water such as bottled water for drinking and cooking is recommended.”

Please disregard this alert notice if you are on a private well.

Township officials are asking residents to 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.

“We will provide an update as soon as we have completed the necessary inspections and testing to confirm the water system is safe,” Sylvan Township said.