Bloomfield Township

Bloomfield Township is pleased to report that in 2017, as in previous years, we have surpassed all water quality standards mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Michigan's Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). This 2017 Annual Water Quality Report outlines our water sources, presents testing results, and provides essential information about water and health implications.

This report aims to address resident concerns about tap water quality. If you have questions about this report, please contact the Bloomfield Township DPW at 248-594-2800.

Protecting Our Water Resources

Contaminants enter our waterways through various channels, primarily stormwater runoff. During rainfall, water flows over roads and parking lots, collecting sediment, oils, and heavy metals. It also picks up pesticides, fertilizers, leaves, and animal waste from lawns. This polluted water eventually enters storm drains that connect directly to our water bodies.

Regardless of where you live, you can take action to prevent pollutants from entering stormwater runoff and protect our municipal water sources:

• Lawn Care: Apply fertilizers and herbicides sparingly and only on grass areas. Clean up any spillage on paved surfaces. Set mower decks to at least three inches high to promote root growth. Consider soil testing to determine your lawn's actual nutrient requirements.
• Pet Care and Septic Maintenance: Promptly collect and dispose of pet waste in trash receptacles. Properly maintain septic systems to prevent failure and avoid releasing bacteria, viruses, and chemicals into groundwater.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Wash cars at commercial facilities or on lawn areas to prevent soaps and contaminants from entering storm drains. Fix fluid leaks and properly dispose of used oil and antifreeze at hazardous waste collection events.
• Household Products: Properly dispose of cleaning supplies, home improvement products, and medications—never in sinks, toilets, or storm drains. Consider non-toxic alternatives when possible.
• Cross Connection Prevention: Install and maintain backflow prevention devices like Hose Bibb Vacuum Breakers (available for $5-$10 at hardware stores) and have irrigation systems professionally tested.

Pharmaceuticals in Water

According to Mayo Clinic research, nearly 70% of Americans take at least one prescription medication, with over half taking two or more. Common prescriptions include antibiotics, antidepressants, pain relievers, and cholesterol-lowering drugs. Trace amounts of these medications enter waterways through human excretion, improper disposal, and body washing.

Some pharmaceuticals contain endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) that affect hormone function. While current evidence hasn't confirmed human health impacts from trace levels in water, studies show these substances can affect fish and wildlife development. Never flush medications down toilets—this practice is no longer recommended.

All water sources, including bottled water, may contain small amounts of contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate health risks. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

Water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or through ground, it dissolves natural minerals and can pick up substances from animal or human activities.

Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage plants, septic systems, agriculture, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals from natural sources or human activities
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential use
• Organic chemicals from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and sewage
• Radioactive contaminants occurring naturally or from oil/gas production and mining

EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water supplies, while FDA regulations establish limits for bottled water, providing similar public health protection.

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised persons, including cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly individuals, and infants should consult healthcare providers about their water consumption.

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