Battle Creek - Verona System

Quality Commitment: We are pleased to present our annual water quality report. As in previous years, we remain dedicated to delivering the highest quality water possible. We continue our vigilance in meeting new regulatory challenges, protecting water sources, promoting conservation, and engaging with our community through education and outreach while meeting all our customers' water needs. Thank you for allowing us to serve you and your family. We welcome your thoughts on the information provided in this report. Well-informed customers are our greatest allies. For more information or questions about this report, please contact Perry Hart, Utility Manager at (269) 966-3481. Non-Battle Creek residents can reach: City of Springfield at (269) 965-2354 or Emmett Township at (269) 968-0241.

Treatment Process: Our water undergoes several important treatment steps:

• First, water is drawn from our groundwater aquifer and delivered to our treatment facility
• Air is introduced through aeration, which addresses radon while also causing iron and manganese to form larger particles
• Next, filtration removes the iron and manganese particles
• A small amount of phosphate is added to prevent pipe corrosion
• The water then moves to an underground reservoir
• Finally, controlled amounts of fluoride (for dental health) and chlorine (for disinfection) are added before distribution

Health Information: Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Those with compromised immune systems—including cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly individuals, and infants—may face higher infection risks. These individuals should consult their healthcare providers about drinking water safety. Guidelines from the U.S. EPA/CDC on reducing infection risks from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 or http://water.EPA.gov/drink/hotline.

Water Quality Context: To ensure tap water safety, the EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. The FDA sets similar limits for bottled water. All drinking water, including bottled varieties, can reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants, though their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

Water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or underground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials, along with substances from animal presence or human activity. Potential source water contaminants include:

• Microbial Contaminants: Viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, or wildlife
• Inorganic Contaminants: Salts and metals occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, industrial/domestic wastewater, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and Herbicides: From agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic Chemical Contaminants: Synthetic and volatile organic chemicals from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive Contaminants: Naturally occurring or resulting from oil/gas production and mining

For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

1. How often is Battle Creek water tested? Battle Creek's municipal water undergoes rigorous testing daily, weekly, monthly, and annually depending on the specific parameters being monitored.
2. What causes water hardness in Battle Creek? The groundwater in our region naturally contains high levels of calcium and magnesium minerals as it passes through limestone formations, resulting in hard water.
3. Is Battle Creek water safe to drink? Yes, our water meets or exceeds all EPA standards. However, residents concerned about specific contaminants may want to check their individual water score reports.
4. Why does my water sometimes appear cloudy? Temporary cloudiness is typically caused by tiny air bubbles that will clear if you let the water stand for a few minutes. This is harmless.
5. What should I do if I'm concerned about my water quality? Request a free water score report to identify specific contaminants in your area, then consider appropriate filtration solutions based on those results.