Gladwin Wastewater Plant Down After Suspected Lightning Strike

Gladwin's wastewater treatment plant is currently non-operational following a suspected lightning strike during a Monday night thunderstorm. City officials have issued an urgent request for residents and businesses to cease all use of water facilities, including toilets, sinks, and showers, until further notice.

This precautionary measure is intended to avert potential sewage backups. An emergency manager was dispatched on Tuesday to evaluate the extent of the damage and to work with city staff on restoring normal operations. The city has committed to providing updates as more information becomes available.

This disruption at Gladwin's plant follows a pattern of incidents affecting Michigan's water infrastructure. In the past year, a potential cyberattack was investigated at a Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) plant, though water quality remained unaffected. GLWA has also faced legal action related to infrastructure failures, including a lawsuit over flooding attributed to underperforming water pumping stations.