Our water system recently violated a drinking water standard. Although this situation does not require that you take immediate action, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened, what you should do, and what we are doing to correct this situation.
We treat our water to control corrosion and minimize lead and copper in the pipes from dissolving into the water. To ensure we are maintaining optimal corrosion control, we routinely sample the water at the entry points to the distribution system and in the distribution system for water quality parameters such as pH and orthophosphate. We are required to maintain these parameters inside of the state-designated ranges. We did not maintain these parameters within the set ranges for more than nine days during the January to June 2026 monitoring period.
What should I do?
You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.
What does this mean?
This situation does not require you to take immediate action. If it had, you would have been notified immediately. This is a treatment violation. The most recent monitoring indicates that lead and copper levels were below the action levels at least 90 percent of residential drinking water taps sampled. However, it is important that everyone takes measures to control lead and copper levels in the water because ingesting lead or copper can cause serious health consequences.
Health effects of lead
Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects and development in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of persons who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems.
What happened? What is being done?
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) set ranges for our water quality parameters on October 16, 2023. After these ranges were designated, we collected samples in the distribution system on April 6, 2026, that were below the required minimum value for orthophosphate. At least ten excursion days were accumulated in the distribution between the dates of April 6 and April 15, 2026. We are working on following up with all water quality parameter results timely to prevent this from happening again. For more information, please contact Mark Lease, mlease@cityofeatonrapids.gov , (517) 663-8118 EXT 8117, or 200 S Main St, Eaton Rapids, Michigan 48827.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
