This is a developing story and will be updated.
People in the city of Gladwin are being asked not to use bathroom facilities after the city's wastewater treatment plant sustained damage after being struck by lightning.
"As a result, the treatment plant is not operating properly," a release from the city reads. Officials are asking people to refrain from using "toilets, sinks, showers, and other plumbing fixtures, as wastewater use could result in sewage backups."
City officials have confirmed drinking water is safe to consume. Gladwin's emergency management department is in the process of determining the extent of the damage and said updates on the condition of the plant will be provided Wednesday. No timeline for a full restoration has been given.
In a statement to WCMU, the Central Michigan District Health Department confirmed they directed local restaurants to "temporarily discontinue operations" under the Michigan Emergency Action Plan for Retail Food Establishments.
"Protecting public health is our top priority," the statement reads. "These temporary closures help ensure safe food handling practices and that licensed food establishments continue to operate in compliance with the Michigan Food Law."
Roddy Henning, owner of the Double H Sports Bar & Grill in Gladwin, said he received both a notice and phone call from the health department to shut down.
"I just can't believe that there was no measures set up for if this happened, that there would be a backup plan," Henning said. "In a small town, I mean, you would just think that there would be, but there wasn't. Henning said closing for even one day will hit his business hard.
Gladwin County officials said publicly accessible porta johns in the city can be found in the following locations:
- City Hall
- Farmers market
- North Park
- City Park (South Park)
- Fairgrounds
According to the latest census data, the city of Gladwin, about 43 miles northeast of Mount Pleasant, has a population just over 3,000 people and covers 2.9 square miles.
