PARCHMENT, Mich. (WOOD) — Officials expect the first permanent connection between the Kalamazoo and Parchment water systems to be up and running by Monday.

The cities are linking up their systems so Parchment can source its water from Kalamazoo. Parchment can’t draw from its wells anymore because its system was found to be contaminated with high levels of PFAS, a likely carcinogen. Kalamazoo’s water has not been found to have high levels of the chemical.

With the first new water main under G Avenue nearly done, the road has reopened.

Construction has started on the second of three new water stations and should take between seven and 10 days. The second site is in the area of Park Avenue and Orient Street.

A boil water advisory has been issued for five nearby homes as a precaution because the work could cause a drop in pressure, which can allow bacteria to enter the system. The advisory will go into effect Friday morning and is expected to last until Monday.

After Parchment starts pulling its water from Kalamazoo, tests for PFAS and other contaminants will have to come back clean for four days in a row before people can start drinking from their taps again.

For now, people in Parchment and Cooper Township who use the municipal system are being asked to flush the water in their homes and businesses. Instructions (PDF) are available online. Questions and requests for help can be directed to 269.337.8756.

Bottled water distribution continues at Parchment High School from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Residents can also recycle empty bottles at the school.

Target 8 recently had the Ice Mountain brand water being passed out tested for PFAS; it came back clean.

The Parchment Water Hotline can be reached at 269.373.5346 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. That hotline took 24 phone calls Wednesday. It will not be operational during weekends.