Inkster

Inkster's water originates from the Detroit River, within the Lake St. Clair, Clinton River, Detroit River, Rogue River, Ecorse River watersheds in the United States and portions of Canadian watersheds including the Thames River, Little River, Turkey Creek, and Sydenham.

In 2004, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality collaborated with the U.S. Geological Survey, Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, and Michigan Public Health Institute to evaluate water supply susceptibility. This assessment used a seven-tiered scale from "very low" to "very high" based on geological factors, water chemistry, and contamination sources. Detroit River intakes were classified as highly susceptible, yet all four Detroit treatment facilities have consistently delivered quality water meeting drinking standards.

The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) has implemented protective measures including chemical containment, spill response protocols, and a mercury reduction program. They participate in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and maintain emergency response plans. In 2015, DWSD received a grant to develop source water protection for Detroit River intakes.

All drinking water, including bottled varieties, may contain trace amounts of contaminants. These don't necessarily indicate health risks. For more information, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Water sources (tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels through these environments, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, and can collect substances from animal or human activities. Contaminants potentially found in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants like salts and metals, either naturally occurring or from urban runoff, wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining

EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water systems, while FDA regulations establish similar protections for bottled water. The City of Inkster and GLWA prioritize water quality and compliance with regulations including the Lead and Copper Rule.

Elevated lead levels pose serious health concerns, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead typically enters drinking water through service lines and home plumbing materials. While Inkster provides quality water, they cannot control the materials used in plumbing components. To minimize potential exposure, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption when it has been sitting for several hours. If concerned, consider water testing. More information is available at http://www.Epa.Gov/safewater/lead.

The water GLWA delivers to Inkster is lead-free. Lead can enter through home plumbing fixtures and service lines. Corrosion control methods, including orthophosphates added during treatment, create protective coatings in service pipes throughout the system. Inkster conducts required lead and copper sampling in the community, and residents should maintain their plumbing systems appropriately.

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