BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — A drinking water standard violation remains in effect for water customers in Battle Creek, Springfield, Emmett Township, and portions of Pennfield Township. 

Quarterly testing from May indicates that total trihalomethanes (TTHM) levels in the water system no longer exceed the federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 80 parts per billion (ppb).   

However, the Running Annual Average (RAA) for TTHMs remains above the MCL. The RAA reflects the average of the most recent four quarterly samples at each monitoring location. Because earlier samples showed elevated TTHM levels, they continue to influence the RAA. Until these older results are replaced by consistently lower readings, the drinking water standard violation will remain in effect. 

While the violation remains in effect, the downward trend in recent sample results is a positive sign that corrective actions are working. 

Key information for neighbors 
Impacted customers will receive a letter from the city’s water division detailing the latest results and ongoing efforts to reduce TTHM in the municipal water supply. The letter is also available on the city's website. 

• The rise in TTHM levels does not pose an immediate health emergency.  

• You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions. 

• The city will notify the public within 24 hours if the water becomes unsafe to drink. 

• Long-term exposure to high TTHM levels may affect the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may increase cancer risk. While no immediate precautions are necessary, individuals with compromised immune systems, infants, or older adults should consult their healthcare provider. 

• TTHM levels rose slightly in early April, likely due to heavy rainfall introducing more organic material into the source water. Levels dropped again in May, showing that recent interventions are working. 

Background 
The city attributes the exceedance to the rehabilitation project at the Verona Well Field. This project began two years ago, with well drilling starting in August 2024. To protect the water from bacteria during this process, the city used additional disinfectants, which likely contributed to higher TTHM levels. 

• In December 2024, the city identified a TTHM exceedance affecting only the Emmett Township portions of the public water system and notified those affected customers. 

• In March 2025, the city notified all water customers when the exceedance expanded to the rest of the system following quarterly sampling in February 2025. 

What the city is doing 
The city continues to monitor the system and implement corrective actions in coordination with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Recent samples show that TTHM levels are trending downward. Several key efforts are driving this progress: 

• Adjusting treatment processes to reduce TTHM formation. 

• Completing the annual hydrant flushing program to remove older water and sediment from the system. 

• Increasing sampling at Verona Well Field and throughout the distribution system to guide the next steps. 

• Conduct quarterly operational evaluations to assess water age, tank cycling, and other factors that influence TTHM levels. 

• Replacing aging wells at the Verona Well Field to improve long-term water quality. 

These actions are expected to continue lowering TTHM levels and bring the system back into compliance. 

More information 
Visit the city website to learn more about the Verona Well Field project and view TTHM sample results from the past two years, including data from the pumping station water treatment facility (January-May). 

• Health-related questions: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Toxicology and Environmental Health hotline, 800-648-6942. 

• Water System/sampling questions: Perry Hart, Battle Creek’s Utility Administrator, at 269-966-3481 or plhart@battlecreekmi.gov  

• In Person: Battle Creek Department of Public Works, 150 S. Kendall St., Battle Creek, MI 49037.  

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