Battle Creek water system exceeds TTHM limits; officials say no immediate health risk

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — The City of Battle Creek has identified a drinking water standard violation in Battle Creek, Springfield, Emmett Township, and parts of Pennfield Township.

City leaders believe the problem stems from an ongoing project at the Verona Well Field, a superfund site with issues dating back to the 1980s.

Customers affected can anticipate to receive a letter from the city’s water division later this week or early next week with more information, city officials said. The letter is also available below.

Tests from February showed that total trihalomethanes (TTHM) levels in the water system exceeded the standard of 80 parts per billion. The average was calculated over the last 12 months.

Steve Skalski, director of public works for the City of Battle Creek, first noticed levels begin to spike around the start of construction for well work at the Verona Well Field.

As of Friday, the team is in the process of replacing 21 wells in that area due to deterioration, a project that began two years ago.

Following recommendations from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) in order to keep water safe from bacteria during construction, the city used additional disinfectants, which Skalski believes led to elevated levels of TTHM.

“The chlorine, tends to activate a lot of what’s going on there,” Skalski said. “We probably saw a spike with it because of the work that’s going on, but it was more than likely going to happen, regardless, if we didn’t address the problem.”

This rise in TTHM is not an immediate health emergency, according to city officials. Customers do not need to boil water or take corrective actions.

Prolonged exposure to high levels of TTHM over many years can affect the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and increase cancer risk.

If you or a member of your household have a compromised immune system, are an infant or are elderly, city officials say to consult your healthcare provider, officials said.

The higher levels are likely due to drilling and aquifer testing new wells at the Verona Well Field, a project that began two years ago, according to city officials.

As of Friday, the city is working with the State of Michigan to monitor the situation, and is taking immediate action to reduce TTHM levels. Th is process is expected to take 12 to 18 months to complete.

“We strive to provide the highest quality water for all of the customers of Battle Creek’s Water system,” Skalski said. “We want to make sure their drinking water is safe.”

Anyone with questions regarding TTHM in the Battle Creek Water System can use the following resources:

• Health-related questions: MDHHS Toxicology and Environmental Health hotline at (800) 648-6942, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• Water System/sampling questions: Perry Hart, Battle Creek’s Utility Administrator, at (269) 966- 3481 or plhart@battlecreekmi.gov, or in person at the Battle Creek Department of Public Works, 150 S. Kendall St., Battle Creek, MI 49037.