ProMedica Monroe (Mich.) Regional Hospital is using only bottled water and installed filters on some sinks and showers after officials found debris in the water, ABC affiliate WTVG reported Oct. 30.
A hospital spokesperson said it reported black sediment contamination on one floor of the hospital to the city Water and Wastewater department on Oct. 26. The department said the debris appeared to be rubber gasket or washer material commonly found in internal plumbing. The staff tested water samples from different floors for bacterial growth and all tests were negative.
The department recommended a campuswide flush of the hospital's internal infrastructure.
"Tests show the debris was an elastomer, likely from a degraded plumbing gasket," a ProMedica spokesperson told Becker's. "The water system flushing process that occurred last week helps ensure any additional debris has been removed from the system. We have received no reports of illness related to the water. Now that the issue is resolved, we are beginning the process of returning to normal water use. We will always act in an abundance of caution when patient and staff safety are involved."