Tragedy struck the city of Rochester this week as a body was discovered in the Highland Park Reservoir, prompting the closure of schools and the issuance of a boil advisory for residents. The shocking discovery was made by workers with the city’s Bureau of Water during their routine morning checks of the reservoir. The immediate response was to disconnect the reservoir from the public water supply and develop a plan to drain the 26-million-gallon body of water.
The identity of the adult male found in the reservoir remains unknown, as does the cause of death. Police are currently reviewing security footage to piece together how the man ended up in the water. While it is unclear how long the body had been submerged, city officials emphasized that the reservoir is inspected daily and its water quality is continuously monitored.
Following the discovery, a boil water advisory was issued for a large portion of Rochester. Although initial testing indicates that the drinking water was not contaminated, the Bureau of Water will continue to monitor for bacterial microbes that could potentially cause health issues. The precautionary measure is necessary to ensure the safety of the public.
Mayor Malik Evans expressed his sadness over the situation, acknowledging the need for caution due to the proximity of the incident to the city’s water supply. The closure of Rochester schools and the disruption of daily activities have undoubtedly impacted residents. The Rochester City School District had to shutter after-school activities on Tuesday and close schools on Wednesday.
To mitigate the impact of the reservoir closure, Rochester is utilizing two other nearby reservoirs. Additionally, distribution centers for bottled water have been set up throughout the city, ensuring that residents have access to clean drinking water. In the meantime, residents are advised to bring tap water to a rolling boil for one minute before use.
The recovery and identification of the deceased individual remain ongoing investigations. The draining and cleaning of the Highland Park Reservoir are estimated to take approximately eight weeks, during which time it will be out of service. The city is committed to ensuring the safety of its residents and will continue to provide updates on the situation.
In times like these, it is crucial for communities to come together and support one another. Rochester is facing a challenging situation, but with the cooperation of its residents and the diligent efforts of local authorities, it will overcome this tragedy and emerge stronger than ever.
