City of Sterling Heights

Water quality is vital to both residents and the region. The City of Sterling Heights and the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) are dedicated to meeting state and federal water quality standards, including the Lead and Copper Rule. Sterling Heights purchases water from the GLWA, which uses the Great Lakes as its source and employs proven treatment technologies to consistently deliver safe drinking water to our community.

The City of Sterling Heights maintains the network of water mains that deliver this water to your home's service line. This year's Water Quality Report demonstrates how GLWA and Sterling Heights water professionals provide some of the nation's highest quality drinking water. We remain committed to protecting public health and maintaining transparent communication about our municipal water.

Your water supply comes from one of two sources:

• The Detroit River, within Lake St. Clair, and several watersheds across the United States and Canada, or
• The lower Lake Huron watershed, which includes numerous short, seasonal streams that flow into Lake Huron

The MDEQ, in partnership with several governmental agencies, conducted a source water assessment in 2005 to determine contamination susceptibility. The Detroit River source water intakes were classified as highly susceptible to potential contaminants, while the Lake Huron source water intake has a moderately low susceptibility rating.

GLWA has implemented source-water protection measures including chemical containment, spill response protocols, and a mercury reduction program. They participate in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Program and maintain an emergency response management plan. GLWA developed a Source Water Protection Program (SWIPP) for both the Detroit River and Lake Huron intakes, covering elements such as:

• Government and water agency roles and responsibilities
• Source water protection area delineation
• Potential contamination identification
• Protection management strategies
• Contingency planning
• New source development considerations
• Public participation and education

How Do We Know The Water is Safe?

GLWA treatment facilities operate 24/7. The process begins with disinfecting source water using chlorine to eliminate harmful microorganisms. Next, Alum is added to remove fine particles causing turbidity. Fluoride is incorporated to prevent tooth decay. The water then passes through sand filters to remove additional particles and resistant bacteria. Finally, orthophosphates and chlorine are added before distribution – orthophosphates control lead dissolution from household plumbing, while chlorine maintains disinfection throughout the distribution system.

Water is thoroughly tested before treatment, during various treatment stages, and throughout the distribution system. GLWA analyzes hundreds of samples weekly in certified laboratories using qualified, trained staff. Visit www.epa.gov/safewater/ for more information about safe drinking water.

The EPA prescribes regulations limiting contaminants in public water systems, while FDA regulations establish limits for bottled water. All drinking water, including bottled water, may contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants, call the EPA's Safe Drinking 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 or underground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activity. Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants such as salts and metals, which can occur naturally or result from urban runoff, industrial discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from various sources including 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, either naturally occurring or resulting from oil/gas production and mining

Public Participation Opportunities

The City of Sterling Heights and GLWA are committed to protecting our water supply. Safe drinking water is a shared responsibility. GLWA-delivered water contains no lead, but lead can enter water through home plumbing fixtures and service lines. Corrosion control measures, including orthophosphate addition during treatment, create a protective coating in pipes throughout the system.

Sterling Heights conducts required lead and copper sampling in our community. Residents also have responsibility to maintain their home plumbing. If present, elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead exposure can be minimized by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If concerned about lead, you may want to have your water tested. Information about lead in drinking water is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

People With Special Health Concerns

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised persons such as those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune disorders, some elderly individuals, and infants may face higher infection risks. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their healthcare providers.

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