ESCANABA — A boil advisory affecting some Escanaba residents will continue through the weekend and is expected to continue until late next week according to the city’s water department.

Residents in the 300 through 600 blocks of South 15th Street were initially warned to boil water due to construction on Tuesday. On Thursday, the area was expanded to include a six to eight block radius around South 15th Street and 3rd Avenue South. The expansion of the boil order area was the result of faulty valves in the construction area.

As of Friday, the areas remaining on the boil advisory included 2nd Avenue South from South 11th Street to South 17th Street, 212 South 11th Street, South 15th Street from 2nd Avenue South to 6th Avenue South, South 16th Street from 1st Avenue South to 6th Avenue South, and 1506 and 1504 4th Avenue South.

The water department also advised Friday that residents living on 3rd Avenue South from South 11th Street to South 17th Street may also be affected next week when work resumes.

Residents are advised to expect several short durations of low water pressure or loss of service in the coming week. Those affected by the order should boil all drinking water taken from the city’s water system — including water used for making ice cubes, washing foods, brushing teeth or any other activity that involves the consumption of water. Water should be boiled to a rolling boil for a full five minutes, allowed to cool, and then stored in a container for later consumption.

“We apologize for the inconveniences, as we are encountering numerous broken or faulty valves and are struggling to procure all of the needed parts due to months of back-ordered supplies,” read a press release issued by the city and attributed to Water Superintendent Jeff Lampi.

Once work is complete, water mains will be flushed and the water will be tested for bacteria. Each resident will be notified when the water is safe to drink.

If water remains discolored after 30 minutes after service is restored, residents are asked to contact the water department. Any questions or concerns may also be directed to the water department by calling 906-786-3291.