Plainfield Township

We're pleased to present our annual water quality report for 2017, covering January through December. This marks our twentieth annual report, and we remain committed to delivering the highest quality municipal water possible.

We continue to meet regulatory challenges, focus on source water protection, promote water conservation, and engage in community education while serving all water users' needs. Thank you for allowing us to serve your household.

Health Information
Certain populations may be more vulnerable to contaminants in tap water than the general public. Immunocompromised individuals - including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, elderly residents, and infants - may face increased infection risks. These individuals should consult healthcare providers about their water consumption. EPA/CDC guidelines on reducing Cryptosporidium infection risk are available via the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

TTHMs Violation Corrected
The running locational annual average of TTHMs in a northern service area exceeded MCL standards in October 2016, with the violation continuing until April 2017 despite improving measurements. Unusually high organic levels in raw water, when treated with chlorine, elevated trihalomethane levels. We've implemented several solutions including mechanical mixers in storage tanks, discontinuing additional chlorination at Childsdale pumping station, and operational changes to reduce water residence time in the distribution system. These measures have successfully reduced TTHM levels and restored compliance.

Source Water Assessment
Our Source Water Assessment Plan (SWAP) was completed by Michigan in 2003. This evaluation examined the delineated area around our wells where contaminants could potentially reach our water supply. Due to geological characteristics of soils surrounding the wells, our system received a "high" susceptibility ranking. We've implemented a Wellhead Protection Ordinance to safeguard these critical resources. Maps of protected zones are viewable on our website (www.plainfieldmi.org).

Water Treatment Process
Our comprehensive treatment process begins with raw water pumped from wells to the treatment plant. The water passes through clarifiers where lime and alum create "floc" particles that capture calcium and magnesium (hardness). This sediment settles and is removed. We add carefully monitored chlorine for disinfection and fluoride for dental health. The water then flows through filters with layers of silicate sand and anthracite coal to remove smaller particles. Finally, a corrosion inhibitor (phosphate) protects distribution pipes before the water is stored in reservoirs and elevated tanks for pressurized delivery to homes and businesses.

PFAS Treatment Plans
To address trace PFOS and PFOA in our water, we plan to replace the silicate sand and anthracite coal in five filters with granular activated carbon, which effectively removes these contaminants.

Lead in Plumbing
Elevated lead levels can cause serious health concerns, particularly for pregnant women and young children. While we provide high-quality water, we cannot control materials used in household plumbing components. To reduce potential lead exposure, flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption after periods of non-use. For testing information or lead exposure reduction strategies, contact the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or visit www.epa.gov/lead.

Water Source Information
Our customers receive water from 11 wells in two separate well fields. Due to elevated PFAS levels detected in 2013, we no longer draw from the five Versluis Well Field wells east of Northland Drive. While these PFAS levels never exceeded the EPA's 70 ppt health advisory, we've taken proactive measures. Our current supply comes from the East Well Field (3 submersible and 3 vertical wells) and West Well Field (5 wells) near the Treatment Plant. We're actively identifying a new well field to replace the Versluis wells. Our treatment plant, constructed in 1963 and expanded over time, processes this underground water supply which is continuously replenished by rainfall and natural aquifer flow.

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