Kalamazoo

The City of Kalamazoo Public Water System stands as Michigan's second-largest groundwater-based municipal water program, recognized for offering some of the most affordable water rates among the state's twelve major systems. It's worth noting that only 3% of Earth's water exists as freshwater, with approximately 30% of that found as groundwater.

Kalamazoo has earned numerous accolades for its water quality management, including the state-approved Wellhead Protection Plan and the prestigious national Exemplary Source Water Protection Award from the American Water Works Association. The city has repeatedly received Michigan's Wellhead Protection Program Award and the "Richard Husby Public Awareness Award" for educational initiatives. Since 1998, Kalamazoo has maintained its designation as a Groundwater Guardian Community by the Groundwater Foundation.

The municipal water system serves approximately 123,000 customers across 10 jurisdictions, delivering an average of 19 million gallons daily through nearly 823 miles of watermains and 5,970 hydrants. Treatment involves minimal processing with chlorine, fluoride, and phosphate additives, while two stations feature air stripping and iron removal capabilities.

Groundwater serves as the primary water source throughout Kalamazoo County, valued for its abundance, accessibility, and general lack of harmful bacteria. However, groundwater remains vulnerable to contamination from spills, leaks, or improper disposal of chemicals at or below ground level.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality conducted Source Water Assessments to evaluate contamination susceptibility for all public water supplies. Ratings range from "very low" to "high" based on geologic sensitivity, water chemistry, well construction, and potential contamination sources. Kalamazoo's nineteen wellfields received ratings of: Moderate (2 wellfields), Moderate High (12 wellfields), and High (5 wellfields).

Residents can help maintain water safety by preventing cross-connections with the municipal supply. Cross-connections are plumbing arrangements that could allow backflow of unwanted materials into the drinking water system. Backflow occurs when water flows opposite its normal direction, potentially introducing contaminants through cross-connections during pressure changes from water main breaks, fire department usage, or hydrant flushing.

The City of Kalamazoo has implemented a corrosion control program since 1956 to reduce water corrosiveness to plumbing fixtures containing lead and copper. The city conducts routine monitoring of corrosion parameters throughout the distribution system and tests for lead and copper in customers' homes to ensure compliance with the 1991 Safe Drinking Water Act Lead and Copper Rule.

For over two decades, Kalamazoo has maintained a proactive annual capital improvement program addressing lead service replacements. With support from the Foundation for Excellence, the city has accelerated the replacement of lead service lines, with additional funding sources being explored to complete all replacements as quickly as possible.

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