BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — City water crews activated four new drinking water wells at the Verona Well Field this week, placing them into full operation Wednesday afternoon. These wells are now producing potable drinking water for the community. 

The city is completing final adjustments on the fifth well in this group, and it will be activated in the well network as soon as it is ready. 

These five wells are the first of 21 newly constructed drinking water wells replacing the city’s aging and deteriorating wells. All 21 wells have been permitted by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Water Department crews will continue bringing wells online in phases as final approvals are received, with the full wellfield expected to be operational by summer 2026. 

Because aging wells and well‑drilling activities increased natural organic material in the source water, the city has been working to mitigate an exceedance of Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) over the past year. This triggered quarterly drinking water sampling and additional actions to closely monitor water quality during this transition. Pennfield Township has also performed quarterly sampling at their site since May 2025. 

The city expects to share finalized results from the most recent quarterly samples in April. 

These new wells represent a major step toward improving long‑term water reliability and strengthening the system that serves our community. 

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