City of Farmington

Our team works diligently to deliver quality water to every household. To maintain safe and dependable water infrastructure, we occasionally implement system upgrades that benefit our community. These improvements may sometimes affect rate structures, and we appreciate residents' support in protecting our valuable water resources – the heart of our community and our children's future.

Since 2013, we've installed approximately 1500 radio transmitting water meters to accurately track water usage and detect potential leaks in residential and commercial properties. In 2017, we added 35 new water services to our system (33 residential and 2 commercial), installing 2000' of new water main and 5 fire hydrants, while replacing 250' of existing water main. Additionally, two fire hydrants were repaired following annual winterization inspections, and two were replaced due to vehicle collisions.

Six staff members have earned Water Distribution certification. These projects and ongoing personnel training continue to enhance our system's reliability and capacity.

Water Quality Facts
All municipal water, including bottled varieties, may contain small amounts of certain contaminants. These substances might include microorganisms, inorganic or organic chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, and radioactive materials. The presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land surfaces or through soil, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and may pick up substances from animal presence or human activity.

Special Health Considerations
Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. People with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, individuals with HIV/AIDS or other immune disorders, some elderly people, and infants can be particularly susceptible to infections. These individuals should seek advice about municipal water from their healthcare providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to reduce infection risk from Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Water Quality Monitoring
The Farmington water system undergoes routine testing for contaminants according to Public Works regulations. Test results from January 1 to December 31, 2017, along with other required testing data, are available for review. The most recent test date is listed in our comprehensive reports. Remember that the mere presence of some elements doesn't necessarily pose a health risk.

The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) represents the highest allowable level of a contaminant in municipal water and is set at very strict levels. To understand potential health effects from regulated elements, a person would need to consume two liters of water daily at the MCL level for a lifetime to have a one-in-a-million chance of experiencing the described health effect.

We're pleased to report that your water meets or exceeds all federal and state requirements. The EPA has determined that the water is SAFE at the detected levels.

Source Water Assessment
Our source water comes from the Detroit River, located within the Lake St. Clair, Clinton River, Detroit River, Rouge River, Ecorse River watersheds in the U.S. and portions of the Thames River, Little River, Turkey Creek and Sydenham watersheds in Canada. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, U.S. Geological Survey, Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), and Michigan Public Health Institute conducted a source water assessment in 2005 to determine contamination susceptibility.

The Detroit River source water was determined to be highly susceptible to potential contamination. However, all Detroit water treatment plants using this source have historically provided satisfactory treatment to meet drinking water standards. GLWA has initiated source-water protection activities including chemical containment, spill response, and a mercury reduction program.

Potential Contaminants
Source water may contain:

• Microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, industrial discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants including synthetic and volatile organics from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants occurring naturally or resulting from oil/gas production and mining

Lead Information
Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in water primarily comes from materials and components in service lines and home plumbing. While the City of Farmington provides quality water, we cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. If your water has been sitting for several hours, minimize lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. For concerns about lead, consider having your water tested. Information on lead in municipal water, testing methods, and exposure reduction is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

1. How often is Farmington's municipal water tested?
   The City of Farmington tests water regularly according to EPA and state guidelines, with comprehensive testing conducted throughout the year for various contaminants.
2. What causes water hardness in Farmington?
   Farmington's water hardness primarily comes from naturally occurring calcium and magnesium minerals in the source water from the Detroit River system.
3. How can residents address water quality concerns?
   Residents can install home water filtration systems specifically designed to address Farmington's known contaminants, or contact the water department at 248-474-5500 for guidance.
4. Are water filters necessary in Farmington homes?
   While the municipal water meets safety standards, some residents choose filtration systems to address taste preferences and further reduce contaminants like trihalomethanes.
5. Where can I find my annual water quality report?
   Annual water quality reports are available on the City of Farmington website or by contacting the Public Services Department directly.