Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in Macomb?
Yes, Macomb's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Macomb has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page or the city's water provider website.
According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Macomb's water utility, Macomb Township, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. This assessment is based on the Macomb Township water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.
While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.
The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.
Water Quality Report for Macomb Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Macomb tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.
Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.
EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.
There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.
We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Macomb's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
Macomb Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years
Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Macomb Township for Macomb in Michigan. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
Is there Lead in Macomb Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Macomb water system, Macomb Township, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.00106 mg/L of lead in Macomb water. This is 7.1% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Macomb contained more lead.
While Macomb water testing may have found 0.00106 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.
No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.
Are there PFAS in Macomb Tap Water?
Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Selfridge Air National Guard Base - near Macomb with suspected leaks.
With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Macomb has been evaluated for yet.
Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.
What do these Violations Mean?
Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.
Health Based Violations
- Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
- Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
- Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.
Non-Health Based Violations
- Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
- Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
- Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.
SDWA Table Key
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Compliance Period | Dates of the compliance period. |
| Status |
Current status of the violation.
|
| Health-Based? | Whether the violation is health based. |
| Category Code |
The category of violation that is reported.
|
| Code | A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table. |
| Contaminant Code | A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation. |
| Rule Code |
Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
|
| Rule Group Code |
Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
|
| Rule Family Code |
Code for rule family.
|
For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.
Macomb Water - Frequently Asked Questions
| By Mail: | PO BOX 491 CADILLAC, MI, 49601 |
Existing customers can login to their Macomb Township account to pay their Macomb water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your Macomb Township bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Macomb water bill.
If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Macomb water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.
Moving to a new house or apartment in Macomb means you will often need to put the water in your name with Macomb Township. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.
Leaving your house or apartment in Macomb means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Macomb Township. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.
USER SUBMITTED RATINGS
- Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility
- Water Pollution
- Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility
- Water Quality
The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Macomb, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
Macomb Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)
The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Macomb's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
Water Connection
Macomb Township
Water Quality
Report
2020
Published May / June 2021
Department of Water and Sewer
51650 Card Road, Macomb, MI 48042
Business (586)
Emergency (586)
Gerry Wangelin, Superintendent
Ed Koenig, Assistant Superintendent
A Message from the Superintendent
Macomb Township is honored to provide you with the 2020 Annual Water Quality Report known as the “Water Connection”. This report reviews the sources of our water, lists the results of our tests, and contains important information about water, health and ways to use water responsibly which will lead to saving money. Unfortunately, water and sewer rates are increasing every year. In an effort to help control these increasing costs, this report will offer many money saving ideas. It should also be noted that on May 13, 2009 the Township Board adopted a summer water use ordinance. The content of this ordinance as well as many helpful idea’s are available at all of the Township building’s and also on our website at
Macomb Township is pleased to show you we have surpassed water quality standards as mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for the 2020 calendar year. Macomb Township Water & Sewer Department provides drinking water to approximately 29,820 metered customers in the 36 square mile area. The systems water is drawn from three master meters. Two along 24 Mile Road, the third in the 21 Mile and Fairchild Road area. Drinking water quality is important to our community and the region. Macomb Township and the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) are committed to meeting state and federal water quality standards including the Lead and Copper Rule. With the Great Lakes as our water source and proven treatment technologies, the GLWA consistently delivers safe drinking water to our community. Macomb Township operates the system of water mains that carry this water to your home’s service line. This year’s Water Quality Report highlights the performance of GLWA and Macomb Township’s 22 water professionals in delivering some of the nation’s best drinking water. Together, we remain committed to protecting public health and maintaining open communications with the public about our drinking water. Macomb Township and the GLWA are committed to safeguarding our water supply and delivering the highest quality drinking water to protect public health. Please contact us with any questions or concerns about your water.
Sincerely,
Gerry Wangelin, Superintendent
Our Primary Source of Water, Lake Huron Treatment Plant
Macomb Township is supplied by the Great Lakes Water Authority where the water is produced by the Lake Huron Water Treatment Plant near Port Huron. From this point, the water travels through large water mains to a point where it enters Macomb Township. Your source water comes from the lower Lake Huron watershed. The watershed includes numerous short, seasonal streams that drain to Lake Huron. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey, the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, and the Michigan Public Health Institute performed a source water assessment in 2004 to determine the susceptibility of potential contamination. The susceptibility rating is on a
In 2016, the Michigan Department of Environmental, Great Lakes and Energy approved GLWA’s Surface Water Intake Pro- tection plans for the Lake Huron water intake. The plan has seven elements: roles and duties of government units and water supply agencies, delineation of a source water protection area, identification of potential of sources of contamination, management approaches for protection, contingency plans, siting of new water sources, public participation and public education activities. GLWA is in the process of updating the plan which should be completed by September 2021. If you would like more information about the Source Water Assessment report please, contact GLWA at
Our Mission
Macomb Township Water & Sewer Department is dedicated to the Health, Safety and Welfare of the Community. Our goal is to meet and exceed all Federal, State and Local Requirements in providing the highest quality of drinking water, fire protection flows and the most efficient sewage disposal system.
WATERING BASICS 101
WHY DOES MACOMB TOWNSHIP HAVE AN OUTDOOR WATERING ORDINANCE?
On May 13, 2009 the Macomb Township Board passed Ordinance No. 242 which puts limitations on water use. “Chapter 15 of the Code of Ordinances for The Township of Macomb is hereby amended and revised for the purposes of protecting the public health, safety and welfare; providing for decreases in maximum water usage at peak hours in order to achieve a better water rate from the GLWA; provide for a decrease in peak water usage in order to provide for better water pressure throughout the entire system during peak flows in order to protect the public health, safety and welfare.”
WHAT IS PEAK WATER USAGE?
The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) monitors each communities water usage during peak periods. The peak period for all communities is from 5 am to 11 pm EST daily .The highest amount of water used during this time period equals a community’s Peak Usage.
HOW ARE WATER RATES DETERMINED?
The peak time for water usage is from 5 am to 11pm EST, when the majority of customers are using the most water for activities such as bathing, cooking, lawn sprinkling, etc. In order to provide for this higher usage of water at these specific times, the GLWA must design its system to supply the water to the customer for these times. That means larger pumps, larger water mains, and more electricity to operate the water system. All of these things equate into increased costs of operating the water system.
MACOMB TOWNSHIP’S PEAK USAGE HABITS:
Macomb Township has continued to have a higher water demand during peak periods, especially due to automated irrigation systems. The consequences of not shifting heavy use from automated irrigation systems to
HOW CAN MACOMB TOWNSHIP MANAGE WATER RATES?
The only way to manage the rates charged from GLWA is to shift the heavy water use to
HOW IS THE ORDINANCE ENFORCED?
The Macomb Township W&S Department will be taking a more aggressive approach to enforce the Outdoor Watering Ordinance. Violators will be given a notice of the violation with the following posted on their door.
WATER CONSERVATION DOES NOT AFFECT WATER
RATES?
Despite what may be happening in other parts of the country, water conservation does not have an affect on water rates in our area. Michigan is fortunate to have an abundance of water available in the Great Lakes for use as drinking water. The GLWA has designed their water system and rate structure so that customers may use as much water as they need. It is the extra cost of supplying water during peak times that drives water rates higher.
Public water systems are similar to the road system in that a water system must be designed to handle its “rush hour traffic’” 5am to 11pm EST. If Macomb Township took part of this traffic (water demand) and moved it to early morning 11pm to 5am EST, when most people are sleeping, GLWA would spend less to provide the same amount of water. This cost saving would help keep water rates lower for all Township customers.
KNOW YOUR WATER METER!
Like reading the odometer on your car, you can read your water meter by recording all numbers from left to right, including any zero’s to the right of the moveable numbers. Write down this reading along with the date. Take a second reading later and subtract the first reading from the second reading. This will give you the total water usage (to the nearest ten gallons) over the period between the readings. The sweep hand on the meter makes one complete revolution for every 7.5 gallons of water used. (Note the tens digit advance with each sweep.) If you have any questions about reading your meter, please give us a call at
People with Special Health Concerns
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than is the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorder, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their healthcare providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).
More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
(1-800-426-4791).
Lead was not detected in Macomb Township’s Water Sources
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Macomb Township is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you have a lead service line it is recommended that you run your water for at least 5 minutes to flush water from both your home plumbing and the lead service line. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
Lake Huron Water Treatment Plant 2020 Regulated Detected Contaminates Table
2020 Inorganic
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Regulated |
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Health |
Allowed |
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Highest |
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Range of |
Violation |
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Major Sources in |
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Test Date |
Units |
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Goal |
Level |
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Level |
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Contaminant |
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Detection |
Yes/No |
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Drinking Water |
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MCLG |
MCL |
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Detected |
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Erosion of natural deposits; |
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Water additive, which promotes |
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Fluoride |
03/10/2020 |
ppm |
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4 |
4 |
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0.72 |
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n/a |
no |
strong teeth; Discharge from |
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fertilizer and aluminum |
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factories. |
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Runoff from fertilizer use; |
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Nitrate |
03/10/2020 |
ppm |
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10 |
10 |
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0.30 |
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n/a |
no |
Leaching from septic tanks, |
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sewage; Erosion of natural |
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deposits. |
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Discharge of drilling wastes; |
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Barium |
05/16/2017 |
ppm |
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2 |
2 |
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0.01 |
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n/a |
no |
Discharge from metal refineries; |
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Erosion of natural deposits |
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2020 Disinfection |
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Regulated |
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Health |
Allowed |
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Highest |
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Range of |
Violation |
Major Sources in Drinking |
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Test Date |
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Unit |
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Goal |
Level |
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Quarterly |
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Contaminant |
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LRAA |
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Yes/No |
Water |
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MCLG |
MCL |
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Results |
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Total Trihalomethanes |
2020 |
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ppb |
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n/a |
80 |
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44 |
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no |
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chlorination |
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Haloacetic Acids |
2020 |
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ppb |
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n/a |
60 |
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22 |
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no |
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(HAA5) |
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disinfection |
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2020 Disinfectant Residuals Monitoring in Distribution System by Treatment Plant |
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Regulated |
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Health |
Allowed |
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Highest |
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Range of |
Violation |
Major Sources in Drinking |
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Test Date |
Units |
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Goal |
Level |
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Quarterly |
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Contaminant |
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RAA |
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Yes/No |
Water |
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MRDLG |
MRDL |
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Results |
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Total Chlorine |
ppm |
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4 |
4 |
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0.77 |
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no |
Water additive used to con- |
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2020 |
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trol microbes |
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Residual |
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Treatment Technique |
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Typical Source of Contaminant |
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Total Organic Carbon |
The Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removal ratio is calculated as the ratio between the |
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actual TOC removal and the TOC removal requirements. The TOC was measured each |
Erosion of natural deposits |
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quarter and because the level was low, there is no requirement for TOC removal. |
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2020 Turbidity – Monitored every 4 hours at Plant Finished Water |
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Highest Single Measurement |
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Lowest Monthly % of Samples Meeting |
Violation |
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Major Sources in Drinking |
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Cannot exceed 1 NTU |
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Turbidity Limit of 0.3 NTU (minimum 95%) |
yes/no |
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Water |
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0.10 NTU |
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100% |
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no |
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Soil Runoff |
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Turbidity has no health effects. However, turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Turbidity may indi- cate the presence of
2020 Microbiological Contaminants – Monthly Monitoring in Distribution System
Regulated |
MCLG |
MCL |
Highest Number |
Violation |
Major Sources in Drinking |
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Contaminant |
Detected |
yes/no |
Water |
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Total Coliform |
0 |
Presence of Coliform bacteria |
in one month/0 |
no |
Naturally present in the envi- |
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Bacteria |
> 5% of monthly samples |
ronment. |
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A routine sample and a repeat |
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E.coli Bacteria |
0 |
sample are total coliform pos- |
entire year/0 |
no |
Human waste and animal fecal |
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itive, and one is also fecal or E. |
waste. |
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coli positive. |
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Lake Huron Water Treatment Plant 2020 Regulated Detected Contaminates Tables
2020 Lead and copper Monitoring at Customer Tap
Regulated |
Test |
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Health |
Action |
90th |
Number |
Range of |
Violation |
Major Sources in |
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Units |
Goal |
Level |
Percentile |
of |
Individual |
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Contaminant |
Date |
Samples |
Samples |
yes/no |
Drinking Water |
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MCLG |
AL |
Value* |
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Over AL |
Results |
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Lead |
2020 |
ppb |
0 |
15 |
1.0 ppb |
0 |
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no |
Lead service lines, Corrosion of |
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0 |
household plumbing system; |
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Erosion of natural deposits. |
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Corrosion of household plumbing |
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Copper |
2020 |
ppm |
1.3 |
1.3 |
0.0 ppm |
0 |
0.0 |
no |
system; Erosion of natural |
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deposits; Leaching from wood |
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preservatives. |
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*The 90th percentile value means 90 percent of the homes tested have lead and copper levels below the given 90th percentile value. If the 90th percentile value is above the AL additional requirements must be met.
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Healt |
Allowed |
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Regulated |
Test |
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Violatio |
Major Sources in |
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Unit |
Level |
Level Detected |
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Contaminant |
Date |
Goal |
n yes/no |
Drinking Water |
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MCL |
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MCLG |
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Combined |
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Radium Radium |
5/13/14 |
pCi/L |
0 |
5 |
0.86 + or - 0.55 |
no |
Erosion of natural deposits |
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226 & 228 |
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2020 Special Monitoring
Contaminant |
Test Date |
Unit |
MCLG |
MCL |
Highest Level |
Source of Contaminant |
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Dectected |
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Sodium |
ppm |
n/a |
n/a |
4.91 |
Erosion of natural deposits |
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In 2020 Macomb Township Water & Sewer was directed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to monitor for
Unregulated Contaminants.
Unregulated Contaminants are those for which the U.S. EPA has not established drinking water standards. Monitoring helps the U.S. EPA to determine where certain contaminants occur and whether it needs to regulate those contaminants. We monitor for these contaminants and the results of monitoring are available upon request.
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2020 Special Monitoring |
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Unregulated Contaminants UCMRR |
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Unregulated Contaminant |
Test Date |
Unit |
Average |
Range of Detection |
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HAAS |
2020 |
ppb |
15.98 |
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ppb |
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HAA6Br |
2020 |
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6.86 |
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HAA9 |
2020 |
ppb |
22.53 |
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Manganese |
2020 |
ppb |
1.45 |
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Water Analysis for 2020
These tables are based on tests conducted by GLWA in the year 2020 or the most recent testing done within the last five calendar years. GLWA conducts tests throughout the year only tests that show the presence of a substance or require special monitoring are presented in these tables. The State allows us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants are not expected to vary significantly from year to year. All of the data is representative of the water quality, but some are more than one year old.
Key to the Detected Contaminants Table
Symbol |
Abbreviation |
Definition/Explanation |
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> |
Greater than |
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°C |
Celsius |
A scale of temperature in which water freezes at 0° and boils at 100° |
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under standard conditions. |
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AL |
Action Level |
The concentration of a contaminant, which, if exceeded, triggers |
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treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow. |
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HAA5 is the total of bromoacetic, chloroacetic, Dibromoacetic, di- |
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HAA5 |
Haloacetic Acids |
chloroacetic, and trichloroacetic acids. Compliance is based on the |
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total. |
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A Level 1 assessment is a study of the water system to identify po- |
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Level 1 |
Level 1 Assessment |
tential problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacte- |
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ria have been found in the water system. |
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A Level 2 assessment is a very detailed study of the water system to |
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Level 2 |
Level 2 Assessment |
identify potential problems and determine (if possible) why an E. coli |
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MCL violation occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have been |
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found in our water system on multiple occasions. |
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LRAA |
Locational Running Annual Average |
The average of analytical results for samples at a particular monitor- |
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ZSX |
ing location during the previous four quarters. |
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The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. |
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MCL |
Maximum Contaminant Level |
MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best avail- |
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able treatment technology. |
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MCLG |
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal |
The level of contaminant in drinking water below which there is no |
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known or expected risk to health. |
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The highest level of disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is |
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MRDL |
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level |
convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for |
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control of microbial contaminants. |
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Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level |
The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no |
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MRDLG |
known or expected risk to health. MRLDG’s do not reflect the bene- |
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Goal |
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fits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants. |
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n/a |
not applicable |
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ND |
Not Detected |
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NTU |
Nephelometric Turbidity Units |
Measures the cloudiness of water. |
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pCi/L |
Picocuries Per Liter |
A measure of radioactivity |
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ppb |
Parts Per Billion (one in one billion) |
The ppb is equivalent to micrograms per liter. A microgram = 1/1000 |
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milligram. |
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ppm |
Parts Per Million (one in one million) |
The ppm is equivalent to milligrams per liter. A milligram = 1/1000 |
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gram. |
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RAA |
Running Annual Average |
The average of analytical results for all samples during the previous |
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four quarters. |
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An MCL which involves a biological, chemical or physical character- |
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SMCL |
Secondary Maximum Contaminant |
istic of water that may adversely affect the taste, odor, color or ap- |
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Level |
pearance (aesthetics), which may thereby affect public confidence or |
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acceptance of the drinking water. |
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TT |
Treatment Technique |
A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in |
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drinking water. |
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Total Trihalomethanes is the sum of chloroform, bromodichloro- |
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TTHM |
Total Trihalomethanes |
methane, dibromochloromethane and bromoform. Compliance is |
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based on the total. |
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μohms |
Microhms |
Measure of electrical conductance of water |
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Substances That Might Be in Drinking Water
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health.
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk.
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it can dissolve
Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
- Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
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Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be
naturally-occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming. - Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses.
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Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organics, which are
by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff and septic systems.
2020 Lake Huron Tap Water Mineral Analysis
Parameter |
Units |
Max. |
Min. |
Avg. |
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Parameter |
Units |
Max. |
Min. |
Avg. |
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Turbidity |
NTU |
0.11 |
0.05 |
0.07 |
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Chloride |
ppm |
11.9 |
7.9 |
9.4 |
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Total Solids |
ppm |
164 |
53 |
128 |
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Phosphorus |
ppm |
1.23 |
0.1 |
0.51 |
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2 |
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Total Dissolved Solids |
ppm |
138 |
56 |
117 |
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Free Carbon Dioxide |
ppm |
8.2 |
4.2 |
5.5 |
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Aluminum |
ppm |
0.242 |
0.057 |
0.182 |
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Total Hardness |
ppm |
106 |
96 |
100 |
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Iron |
ppm |
0.192 |
ND |
0.112 |
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Total Alkalinity |
ppm |
82 |
70 |
75 |
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Copper |
ppm |
ND |
ND |
ND |
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Carbonate Alkalinity |
ppm |
ND |
ND |
ND |
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Magnesium |
ppm |
8.22 |
6.88 |
7.50 |
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ppm |
82 |
70 |
75 |
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Calcium |
ppm |
30.6 |
24.7 |
27.3 |
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ppm |
30 |
22 |
25 |
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Sodium |
ppm |
5.94 |
4.39 |
4.92 |
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Chemical Oxygen Demand |
ppm |
4.1 |
ND |
1.5 |
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Potassium |
ppm |
1.11 |
0.91 |
1.00 |
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Dissolved Oxygen |
ppm |
13.0 |
8.2 |
10.5 |
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Manganese |
ppm |
ND |
ND |
ND |
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Nitrite Nitrogen |
ppm |
ND |
ND |
ND |
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Lead |
ppm |
ND |
ND |
ND |
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Fluoride |
ppm |
0.87 |
0.6 |
0.71 |
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0 |
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Zinc |
ppm |
ND |
ND |
ND |
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pH |
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7.57 |
7.3 |
7.44 |
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0 |
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Silica |
ppm |
2.4 |
1.7 |
2.1 |
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Specific Conductance @ 25 ° |
µohm |
265 |
201 |
221 |
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C. |
s |
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Sulfate |
ppm |
24.3 |
17.9 |
19.9 |
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Temperature |
°C |
23.9 |
5.5 |
13.9 |
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Eliminate FOG’s (Fats, Oils, and Grease) from our Sanitary Sewers
Where Does Grease Come From?
Most of us know grease as a by product of cooking. Grease is found in meat fats, lard, cooking oil, shortening, butter or margarine, food scraps, baked goods, sauces and dairy products.
Most often grease is washed down into the plumbing system, usually through the kitchen sink. Grease sticks to the inside of the sewer pipes (both on your property and the Township sewer system). Over time, the grease can build and block the entire piping system.
Garbage disposals do not keep grease out of the plumbing system. These units only shred solid material into smaller pieces and do not prevent grease from going down the sewer system. Commercial additives, including detergents that claim to dissolve grease, may pass grease down the line and cause problems in other areas.
THE RESULTS CAN BE:
- Raw Sewage overflowing in your home or neighbor’s home
- An expensive & unpleasant cleanup at the cost of homeowner
- Increase in operation & maintenance costs for Township sewer department which results in higher sewer bills for customers
HOW CAN THIS BE PREVENTED:
- Never pour grease down sink drains or into toilets
- Scrape grease & food scraps from dishes, pots, pans, utensils, grills, and cooking surfaces into the trash for disposal
- Do not put grease down garbage disposals. Use strainers in sink drains to catch food scraps & other solids and empty into trash.
Did you Know?
Fats, oil and grease are
not just bad for your
arteries and your
waistline:
they are bad for sewers
too!
Overflow or Backup of Sewage Water or Storm Water System
Under the guidelines of Public Act 222, any resident or business owner having experienced an overflow or backup of a sewage disposal system or storm water system, please contact the Macomb Township Water & Sewer Depart- ment immediately at (586)
You must file a written claim with Macomb Township within 45 days after the overflow or back up is discovered. To receive a Notice of Claim Form, please contact the Macomb Township Water & Sewer Department at
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598-0687 or by mail at 54111 Broughton Road, Macomb, MI 48042. Failure to provide the required notice will prevent recovery of damages.
Public Participation
The Macomb Township Board of Trustees conducts regularly scheduled business meetings on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. These meetings allow the general public an opportunity to address significant concerns to the Board.
The Board of Trustees oversees the operations of the Water and Sewer Department. These meetings in particular do not discuss water quality but will address all purchases, functional activities and concerns that may arise. The office of the Water & Sewer Department welcomes your comments and opinions about this report and will be happy to answer any questions you may have by contacting our department representatives at (586)
Before you dig, call MISS DIG at
Before you put that shovel or spade in the ground in your yard or make any major improvements on your property, you must know where all your utilities are located. Utilities can be buried from 2 inches to more than 10 feet in depth and can be located anywhere on your property. There is an agency called MISS DIG which is a toll free phone call and provides you a free service to locate these utilities. We ask that you call MISS DIG before you dig. It will save costly repairs for the utilities and may save your life.
Cleaner Safer Environment, We Can All Pitch In !
Did you know that over three million people depend on our lakes and streams for their drinking water? And that in Southeast Michigan there are over 300,000 registered boaters and 3.5 million people visit a local park each year?
With this many people depending on our lakes and streams for drinking water and recreation, we need to be careful how we treat our water. You might not be able to see the stream or lake from your house, but it’s there! It might be a small stream or ditch or even a storm drain in the street. All of these lead directly to our lakes and streams. So, what we do at home affects our water!
Here are seven simple steps you can take in your home and yard to protect our lakes and streams.
- Help keep pollution out of storm drains. Storm drains lead directly to our lakes and streams. So, never dump oil, pet waste, leaves, dirty water, or anything down a storm drain. Remember, only rain in the drain.
- Fertilize caringly and sparingly. Excess fertilizer that gets into storm drains pollutes our lakes by causing large algae blooms and using up oxygen fish need to survive. Sweep excess fertilizer back onto your lawn, use a low or no phosphorus fertilizer, and have your soil tested to see what, if any, fertilizer is needed.
- Carefully store and dispose of household cleaners, chemicals, and oil. Instead of putting hazardous products like antifreeze, motor oil, and pesticides in the trash, down the storm drain, or on the ground, take them to a local hazardous waste collection day.
- Clean up after your pet. Whether on a walk or in your yard, promptly clean up after your pet. Not only will you be a good neighbor, you will also protect our water from harmful bacteria.
- Practice good car care. Consider taking your car to a car wash or washing your car on the grass.
- Choose earth friendly landscaping. Protect your pets, kids, and the environment by using pesticides sparingly. Also, water your lawn only when it needs it and choose plants native to Michigan.
- Save water. Over watering our lawns can easily carry pollution to the storm drains and to our lakes and streams. Consider using a broom instead of a hose to clean sidewalks and driveways. Direct hoses and sprinklers on the lawn, not the driveway. This will help save our lakes and streams and save you money.
For more easy steps on protecting our lakes and streams, visit www.semcog.org or
If you suspect or are aware of a water pollution issue, please contact the Macomb County Water Pollution Hotline at (877)
Macomb Township Board of Trustees
Supervisor Frank J. Viviano |
|
|
Clerk Kristi L. Pozzi, CMMC |
Treasurer |
Leon Drolet |
TRUSTEES |
|
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Frank A. Cusumano, Jr. Peter J. Lucido III |
Nancy J. Nevers |
Charles Oliver |
Contaminants
Macomb Township
EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Utility details
- Serves: 87433
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Purchased surface water
- Total: 6
Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Other Detected Contaminants
- Chromium (total)
- Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
- Strontium
- Vanadium
Reminder
Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.