Frenchtown Township

Frenchtown Charter Township is proud to deliver our seventeenth annual water quality report. We follow all guidelines established by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to ensure safe, dependable water for our community.

ADDRESSING HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOMS
In recent summers, Lake Erie has experienced Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs) that require our attention. Our water treatment facility utilizes advanced Ozone and Membrane systems specifically designed to eliminate algae and associated toxins. We implement early-season monitoring protocols and increase sampling frequency when issues are detected. All test results are published on our website for complete transparency.

WATER QUALITY MONITORING
We conduct regular testing in accordance with Federal and State regulations. The data in this report covers January through December 2016 unless otherwise noted.

OUR WATER SOURCE
Our drinking water comes from Lake Erie where it undergoes treatment to prevent zebra mussel interference before being pumped to our Water Treatment Plant. The MDEQ's Source Water Assessment has classified our source as highly susceptible due to surrounding land use and potential contamination sources. For more information on this assessment, please contact Water Utility Director Rich Weirich.

All water, including bottled varieties, may reasonably contain small amounts of some contaminants. This doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. Water collects minerals and sometimes radioactive material as it flows over land or underground, and can pick up substances from animal and human activities.

POTENTIAL CONTAMINANTS

• Microbial Contaminants: Including viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic Contaminants: Such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban runoff and residential uses
• Organic Chemical Contaminants: Including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and agricultural runoff
• Radioactive Contaminants: Which may occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining
• Pesticides and Herbicides: From agricultural operations, urban runoff, and residential use

All contaminants tested in your water were below levels of concern. The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems, while the FDA develops similar protections for bottled water.

1. How often is Frenchtown Township water tested?
   Water quality is tested daily at our treatment facility, with comprehensive testing conducted monthly according to EPA and state guidelines.
2. What causes water hardness in our area?
   The mineral-rich limestone geology of southeastern Michigan naturally contributes calcium and magnesium to our water supply.
3. How does the township address harmful algae blooms?
   Our advanced Ozone and Membrane treatment systems specifically target and remove algal toxins that may be present during summer blooms.
4. Where can residents view water quality reports?
   Annual Consumer Confidence Reports are mailed to customers and available online at the township website.