City of Fenton

This report covers the City of Fenton municipal water quality for calendar year 2017, providing residents with essential information about their water supply. The City's water comes from four groundwater wells, each exceeding 74 feet in depth, with no significant contamination sources identified in our hydrants.

We've implemented comprehensive wellhead protection strategies approved by the State of Michigan to safeguard our water resources. For more information about this report, please contact Fenton City Hall at 301 S. Leroy St., Fenton, MI 48430 or call (810) 629-2261. Detailed wellhead protection information is available on the city's official website.

Important Health Information:

• All municipal water, including bottled water, may contain small amounts of certain contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.
• Some individuals may be more vulnerable to contaminants than the general population, including those with compromised immune systems, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly residents, and infants.

Water Source Information:

Our water is drawn from deep groundwater wells. As water travels through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activity.

Potential Contaminants in Source Water:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants including salts and metals from natural sources, urban runoff, or industrial processes
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture and residential use
• Radioactive contaminants occurring naturally or resulting from oil/gas production
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and waste systems

The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure safety. The FDA has similar regulations for bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

We conduct regular testing as required by state and federal regulations, meeting all monitoring requirements for 2017. This report is updated annually, and residents will be promptly informed of any emerging concerns.

We welcome public participation in decisions affecting municipal water quality. The Fenton City Council holds regular meetings on the second and fourth Mondays each month at 7:30 p.m. at Fenton City Hall, 301 South Leroy Street.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do when moving in/out of a Fenton residence?
   Typically, a final meter reading is performed at this time. This allows the previous occupant to receive a final bill for all water usage prior to the property transfer. To schedule a final reading, contact the Water Billing Department at (810) 629-2261. Final reading appointments are usually conducted on Thursdays. Final bills can be picked up at City Hall or mailed as requested. If automatic payment withdrawal was set up, it will be canceled when the final bill is processed. Note that final bill payments cannot be processed through automatic withdrawal.
2. Can I install a separate meter for my sprinkler system to avoid sewage charges?
   Unfortunately, this isn't possible because Fenton is charged sewer fees by our regional provider for all water units consumed, regardless of whether they enter the sewer system.
3. Why is my tap water rusty or reddish, and what should I do?
   Water line agitation (from hydrant flushing, street work, or maintenance) can stir up sediment (primarily iron) from water main deposits. If your water appears discolored, it's recommended to avoid using it for one hour, then run cold water at the lowest point in your home for several minutes. If clarity doesn't improve, wait another 30 minutes and repeat. Continue this process until water runs clear. While discolored water remains safe to drink, it may affect laundry.
4. Why is my water bill estimated?
   We strive to read every meter each billing cycle. Estimates occur when readings cannot be obtained. Common reasons include: locked gates or vehicles blocking access to meters, ARB boxes hidden by landscaping or fencing, or disconnected wires between your ARB box and home meter. If you notice repeated estimates, contact the billing department at (810) 629-2261 to schedule a meter inspection.
5. Why do I receive a water bill for an empty property?
   As long as water service remains active, the account generates at least a minimum bill. For extended vacancies, property owners can schedule an appointment to temporarily disconnect service for a $15 fee, which prevents minimum billing. Reconnection service costs an additional $15 when the property is reoccupied.
6. How many gallons equal one billing unit?
   One unit of water equals 748 gallons.
7. What happens if I don't pay my water bill?
   Unpaid bills incur a 10% penalty on the outstanding amount after the due date. For example, if your total balance is $1,000 but your last bill was only $35.18, the penalty would be $3.52. Delinquent accounts are reviewed annually on October 1st. Any outstanding amounts must be paid by April 1st or risk being added to the property tax assessment.
8. How often do I receive a water bill?
   Residential customers receive bills approximately every two months. Commercial properties are billed monthly.