Madison Heights

SAFE MUNICIPAL WATER IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

Water quality is vital to our Madison Heights community and surrounding region. The City of Madison Heights and Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) are firmly committed to meeting all state and federal water quality standards, with particular attention to the Lead and Copper Rule.

With the Great Lakes serving as our primary water source and utilizing proven treatment technologies, GLWA consistently delivers safe water to our residents. Madison Heights maintains the network of water mains delivering this water to your home's service line.

This year's Water Quality Report showcases both GLWA and Madison Heights water professionals' dedication to providing exceptional municipal water. Together, we remain committed to protecting public health and maintaining transparent communication about your water supply.

ABOUT OUR SYSTEM

Madison Heights takes pride in its excellent water supply and is pleased to provide this report. The 2017 Annual Consumer Report on Water Quality details our water source, testing results, and essential health information. We will alert you immediately if any concerns arise regarding your water quality.

We're proud to report that we've exceeded water quality standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). For any questions about your water, please contact us directly.

Madison Heights receives water from two feeds branching from the 54" main along Dequindre Road from Detroit. This main is supplied by water from the Northeast Treatment Plant on Eight Mile Road. Your source water comes from the Detroit River within Lake St. Clair, and includes water from the Clinton, Rouge, Ecorse, Thames, Little River, Turkey Creek and Sydenham watersheds.

WATER SAFETY MEASURES

GLWA has implemented comprehensive source-water protection activities including chemical containment, spill response, and a mercury reduction program. They participate in the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program and maintain an emergency response management plan.

In 2017, GLWA developed and received approval for a source water protection program (SWIPP) for the Detroit River intake. This program includes governmental roles and responsibilities, source water protection area delineation, potential contamination identification, management approaches, contingency planning, new source siting guidelines, and public education initiatives.

For more information about the Source Water Assessment or SWIPP, please contact the Madison Heights Water Division at (248) 589-2294.

WATER QUALITY STANDARDS

To ensure tap water safety, EPA regulations limit certain contaminant levels in public water systems. Similarly, FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

SPECIAL HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons, such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly individuals, and infants may be particularly susceptible to infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their healthcare providers.

EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to reduce infection risk from cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

POTENTIAL CONTAMINANT SOURCES

Water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water moves across land or underground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activity. Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses and bacteria) from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts and metals) occurring naturally or resulting from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organics, which are byproducts of industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that may occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining activities

1. How will I be notified if there's an issue with the city water supply?
   The Madison Heights Water District and local environmental protection department continuously monitor your water system. If a problem is identified, affected customers will be informed through radio, television, local newspapers, the city website, and via official notices from the Water District and Board of Health.
2. My water occasionally appears discolored. Is it safe to consume?
   Yes, you can safely drink, cook, and bathe with this water despite its appearance. The discoloration typically results from iron pipes in the system. Yellow coloration comes from dissolved iron, while red or brown colors indicate iron particles. These can appear after changes in water flow or direction, such as during system repairs, hydrant flushing, or firefighting activities. It's advisable to wait until water clears before doing laundry.
3. Sometimes my water looks cloudy but then clears up. Is it safe?
   Yes. The cloudiness results from trapped air bubbles in the water. This is completely safe to drink, and the water typically clears by itself quickly.
4. I've heard about trihalomethanes forming due to chlorine treatment. Is the water safe?
   Chlorine treatment can create small residual amounts of trihalomethanes. As long as these compounds remain below the maximum contaminant levels (MCL), the water is entirely safe for consumption.
5. During summer months, my water sometimes has an unusual smell or taste. What causes this?
   While groundwater is generally less affected by algae than surface water, it can contain hydrogen sulfide concentrations that produce a rotten egg smell. These taste and odor issues are typically not harmful, but please notify your water utility if you notice any unusual characteristics.
6. What's the bottom line on Madison Heights water quality?
   The Madison Heights Water District conducted over 800 water quality tests last year. We're pleased to report that no contaminants exceeded the maximum contaminant levels (MCL). While trace amounts of some substances may be present, by EPA and state standards, your water meets all safety requirements for consumption.