City of Mount Clemens

MOUNT CLEMENS WATER PURIFICATION PLANT HISTORY

On July 1, 1929, the City of Mount Clemens Water Purification Plant began filtering and distributing Lake St. Clair water to local residents. This softer water was a welcome change from the hard well and river water citizens had previously used for generations. Over the past 84 years, the plant has pumped enough water to fill Lake St. Clair more than 40 times!

Mount Clemens' first public water system began in 1888, with the original plant located at what is now Shadyside Park using Clinton River as its source. In 1905, the city switched to well water, though this source proved inadequate for fire protection, requiring untreated Clinton River water to supplement the system during major fires.

Since its 1929 construction, the plant has undergone numerous upgrades, including doubling in size in 1959. More recently, ozone treatment was added in 2000, and in both 2003 and 2012, Mount Clemens received the "Best Tasting Water in Michigan" award from the Michigan Section of the American Water Works Association. In 2005, the plant was designated as a landmark by the American Water Works Association.

WATER SOURCE INFORMATION

Your water comes directly from Lake St. Clair through a 30-inch steel pipe extending over three-quarters of a mile into the lake. The intake includes zebra mussel control measures to prevent these invasive mollusks from blocking the pipeline. For emergency situations, the city maintains a backup connection with the Detroit Water System.

USING YOUR WATER METER TO DETECT LEAKS

Even small leaks can waste significant amounts of water:

• A pin-sized leak dripping once per second wastes approximately 6 gallons daily
• A larger leak, commonly found in toilets, can waste up to 200 gallons per day

How to check for leaks:

1. Ensure no water is being used inside or outside your home
2. Locate your water meter and examine the dial
3. For dial-face meters, check if the leak detector triangle is moving
4. For digital meters, look for a flashing faucet icon

Monitoring your water usage:

1. Record your meter's odometer reading and date
2. After one week, take another reading
3. Subtract the first reading from the second to calculate water usage in cubic feet
4. Multiply by 7.48 to convert to gallons
5. Divide by the number of days between readings to find your daily average

WATER QUALITY INFORMATION

As required by the Environmental Protection Agency, we must inform you that all water, including bottled water, may reasonably contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. However, their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk.

Water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal or human activity.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants like viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals, which may occur naturally or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from various sources including agriculture and residential users
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from oil and gas production and mining
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and urban runoff

Why is a fire engine dispatched when I call for an ambulance?

Mount Clemens Fire Rescue has all engines staffed with Paramedics equipped for advanced cardiac life support. Engine teams can provide superior airway access and administer cardiac medications. Fire engines are automatically dispatched to assist on most EMS calls.

How can I get a copy of a Fire Report?

Fire reports are available from Mount Clemens Fire Rescue Administrative offices at the Municipal Building. We're open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Contact (586) 469-6818 for assistance.

How can I obtain a copy of an EMS patient record?

Due to medical privacy laws, EMS patient records require proper identification and either patient consent or medical authorization signed by the patient. These reports are available at Fire Administration during regular business hours. A small fee applies for report copies.

How do I request a tour of a fire station?

Fire station tours can be arranged by appointment through the Public Education Office. Contact the Fire Marshal's Office for more information and scheduling.

Do I need to register my Fire Alarm or Medical Alarm?

Medical alarms don't require registration with the City of Mount Clemens. However, FIRE ALARM systems must be registered, including both residential and commercial systems. Registration forms are available through the Police Department Records Division. Fees apply for new registrations and annual renewals. Fines may result from failure to register an alarm system, and citations may be issued for multiple false alarms within a 12-month period.

Is there an Arson Hotline?

Citizens can report arson information directly to the Fire Marshal's Office. If you wish to remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward for information, you may call the local Crime-Stoppers number.

How do I report a complaint about a fire hazard?

Hazardous conditions can be reported to the Fire Marshal's office. Issues involving high grass, weeds, tree limbs, or debris in residential areas should be directed to Neighborhood Development.

Can I get a fire engine to visit my child's school?

Requests for fire department presentations at schools or community events can be made through the Fire Marshal's office.

How can I learn about safety programs for children and adults?

Several fire and injury prevention programs are available at no cost through the Mount Clemens Fire Department. Programs are designed for all age groups from pre-kindergarten through senior citizens. Contact the Fire Marshal's office for more information.

What is the best type of fire extinguisher for my home?

Fire extinguishers are designed for specific types of materials and situations. "BC" extinguishers are recommended for kitchens as they're effective on grease, oils, and electrical fires. "ABC" extinguishers are ideal for common household items like fabric, paper, and other everyday combustibles.

What about Smoke Detectors?

All homes should have smoke detectors near sleeping areas. They can be hardwired into your electrical system (with battery backup) or battery-operated. Smoke detectors have a 10-year lifespan, so change batteries annually and replace the entire unit after a decade or when it fails to function properly. Mount Clemens Fire Rescue provides free smoke detectors and installation assistance to homeowners who need help.

Fire Inspections?

Commercial properties undergo regular inspections throughout the year. To request a fire inspection or register a complaint, contact the Fire Marshal's office.

Can I get my blood pressure checked at the fire station?

Yes. Free preventive blood pressure checks are offered at every Mount Clemens fire station as a community service.