City of Burton

Quality First: 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 to meet the challenges of new regulations, source water protection, water conservation, and community outreach while serving all our water users' needs.

We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and your family and encourage your feedback on the information in this report. Well-informed customers are our greatest allies in maintaining water quality.

Vulnerable populations: People with Wilson's Disease are particularly susceptible to copper exposure. While copper is an essential nutrient, consuming water with copper levels above the action limit over short periods may cause gastrointestinal distress. Long-term exposure may lead to liver or kidney damage for those with this condition.

Infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead exposure. Children drinking water containing lead above action levels may experience developmental delays in physical or mental growth, attention deficits, and learning disabilities. Adults with long-term exposure may develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.

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

Water Safety Standards: The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA regulations set similar standards for bottled water to ensure public safety. All water sources, including tap and bottled water, may reasonably contain small amounts of some contaminants without necessarily posing health risks.

Source Water Assessment: A Source Water Assessment Plan (SWAP) is available at Genesee County Drain Commission Water and Waste Services. This evaluation examines the delineated area around our water sources where contaminants could potentially reach the water supply. It includes an inventory of potential contamination sources and determines the water supply's vulnerability level. The Lake Huron water intake is classified as having moderately low susceptibility to potential contaminants. The Lake Huron treatment plant has historically provided adequate treatment to meet drinking water standards.

According to the assessment, our water system has a low susceptibility rating. To review the complete Source Water Assessment Plan, please contact the Genesee County Drain Commission office during regular business hours at (810) 732-7870.

What is Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) and How Does it Work?

AMR is an advanced technology allowing MABL to read your meter without accessing your property. A MABL vehicle equipped with a radio transmitter drives past your home and sends a special radio signal to a transceiver unit installed at your indoor meter. This unit transmits your meter reading back to the computer in our vehicle. The data is stored on a computer diskette and later transferred to our billing system. Periodically, our meter reader may need to obtain a visual reading to verify system calibration and functionality.

Where is My Water Meter?

Your meter is typically located at the point where the service line enters through your foundation, usually in your basement or utility room. If you're having trouble locating it, please contact our office for assistance.

How to Read Your Meter

1. The red star (low flow indicator) will move when even small amounts of water pass through the meter, helping detect potential leaks.
2. The meter has dial wheels with numbers: the first is stationary and always shows 0.
3. Moving left, you'll see spaces for tens of gallons, hundreds, thousands, ten thousands, hundred thousands, and millions.

Checking for Leaks

• Inspect all toilets and faucets! Leaky fixtures are the primary cause of wasted water and high bills.
• Toilets are the most common source of leaks. Test for leaks by placing food coloring in the tank; if dye appears in the bowl after 45 minutes, your toilet is leaking.
• Most toilet leaks can be repaired affordably.
• Toilets account for nearly 30% of indoor water usage—more than any other fixture or appliance.