Muskegon

SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The Muskegon Water Filtration Plant operates as a conventional treatment facility with a 40 million gallon daily capacity. The facility serves not only Muskegon city but extends to Muskegon Township, North Muskegon, Roosevelt Park, and the County Northside system. Lake Michigan supplies the source water for this operation.

WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT
In 2003, the state conducted an assessment of our source water to evaluate potential contamination risks. This assessment used a six-tiered scale ranging from very low to high, based on geological sensitivity, water chemistry, and contamination sources. Our Lake Michigan source received a "moderately high" susceptibility rating.

HOME WATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS
While our municipal water meets all federal and state safety standards, residents who choose to use home treatment devices should follow manufacturer maintenance guidelines diligently. Poorly maintained treatment systems can become breeding grounds for bacteria.

WATER LEAKS
We take leaks seriously as they waste valuable resources. When we suspect a leak in your service line, we'll notify you in writing and may conduct a site inspection. For your benefit, please respond promptly to leak notifications.

WATER SOURCES AND CONTAMINANTS
Our Lake Michigan water may contain various substances as it travels across land surfaces, including:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic substances like salts and metals, either naturally occurring or from urban runoff, industrial discharge, or agriculture
• Pesticides and herbicides from farming and residential usage
• Radioactive elements occurring naturally or resulting from oil/gas production
• Organic chemicals from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, stormwater runoff, and septic systems

WATER SAFETY REGULATIONS
The EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems to ensure safe drinking water. FDA regulations similarly establish safety limits for bottled water products.

CRYPTOSPORIDIUM INFORMATION
While Cryptosporidium can cause gastrointestinal symptoms when ingested, our water treatment system has never detected it in our treated water. Our effective combination of filtration, sedimentation, and disinfection processes removes this organism from Lake Michigan water.

SPECIAL HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general population. Immunocompromised persons, including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly individuals, and infants may face higher risks. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about drinking water safety. For guidance on reducing Cryptosporidium infection risk, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

1. How often is Muskegon water tested for contaminants?
2. What causes water hardness in the Muskegon area?
3. How can residents reduce exposure to potential contaminants?
4. Are there special considerations for households with infants or elderly residents?
5. What steps does the Muskegon water treatment facility take to ensure water safety?