Harrison W Department

Since 1998, the Environmental Protection Agency has required community water suppliers to provide an Annual Municipal Water Quality Report to their customers. Harrison Township is pleased to deliver this information, confirming that our water quality met or exceeded all EPA and Michigan DEQ standards for 2014.

The Harrison Township Water Department is committed to supplying safe, reliable water to our community of approximately 25,000 residents, delivering 2.5 million gallons daily. Our water comes primarily from the Lake Huron Water Plant and Northeast Water Treatment Plant, operated by Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), with about 80 customers served by the City of Mt. Clemens Water Treatment Plant within Harrison Township.

Our water treatment process includes multiple safety steps: initial disinfection to eliminate disease-causing organisms, addition of alum to remove turbidity particles, fluoride for dental health protection, sand filtration to remove additional particles and resistant microorganisms, and finally phosphoric acid and chlorine addition before distribution. The phosphoric acid helps control lead leaching from household plumbing, while chlorine maintains disinfection throughout the delivery system.

Water quality is rigorously monitored through frequent testing before treatment and throughout the distribution system. Our professional staff conducts numerous weekly tests in certified laboratories, ensuring your water not only meets health standards but ranks among the top 10 regionally for quality and value.

Our source water comes from the lower Lake Huron watershed, containing numerous seasonal streams flowing into the lake. A 2004 source water assessment conducted by Michigan DEQ, U.S. Geological Survey, Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, and Michigan Public Health Institute rated the Lake Huron intake as having "moderately low" susceptibility to potential contamination, based on geological factors, water chemistry, and potential contaminant sources.

For additional information about this report or to request a complete copy, please contact the Harrison Township Water Department at (586) 466-1425.

1. Why does Harrison Township water sometimes have a chlorine smell?

   The slight chlorine odor is from disinfection treatments that ensure water safety throughout the distribution system.

2. Is Harrison Township's water considered "hard" water?

   Yes, the municipal supply contains elevated mineral levels that classify it as moderately hard to hard water, which may affect appliances and plumbing over time.

3. How often is Harrison water tested?

   Multiple samples are tested weekly in certified laboratories for a comprehensive range of potential contaminants.

4. What should I do if I'm concerned about lead in my water?

   Homes built before 1986 may have lead service lines or plumbing. Contact the Harrison Township Water Department for testing options and consider running cold water for 2-3 minutes if water has been sitting in pipes overnight.