Southeastern Water Assoc/Nelson Valley

This report aims to inform the public about the quality of water and services delivered daily. We are dedicated to providing safe, clean, and reliable water supplies. Our ongoing commitment includes monitoring, improving, and protecting the water system to deliver high-quality water to our customers.

Southeastern Water Association purchases water from Somerset, which treats surface water from Lake Cumberland. Analysis of Lake Cumberland's susceptibility to contaminants indicates a relatively low risk, though some areas of concern exist. Near the water withdrawal location, there are residential, commercial, and industrial zones, a Superfund site, a closed landfill, roads, bridges/culverts, and railways. Agricultural activity and urban development may also affect water quality, but the overall potential impact at the withdrawal site remains low.

The complete Resource Water Assessment Strategy is available for review at Somerset Water Service and the Lake Cumberland Area Development District Office. All drinking water, including bottled water, may contain small amounts of contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or through the ground, it dissolves natural minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activity.

Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage plants, septic systems, livestock, or wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) from natural sources, stormwater runoff, wastewater discharge, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture or residential use
• Organic chemicals (synthetic and volatile) from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, or waste systems
• Radioactive contaminants from natural sources or mining activities

To ensure tap water safety, EPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. FDA rules set similar limits for bottled water to provide equal protection. Certain populations may be more vulnerable to water contaminants, including immunocompromised individuals, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, some elderly individuals, and infants. These individuals should seek medical advice about their drinking water. EPA/CDC guidelines for reducing infection risk from Cryptosporidium and other microbes are available through the Safe Drinking Water Hotline.

Regarding lead: elevated levels can cause serious health problems, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead primarily comes from materials associated with service lines and home plumbing. While we provide high-quality water, we cannot control all plumbing component materials. When water has been sitting for several hours, reduce potential lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If concerned about lead, consider having your water tested. Information about lead in drinking water, testing methods, and exposure reduction is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

1. What is the voter registration deadline? Citizens must register at least thirty days before an election.
2. What is the absentee ballot deadline? The deadline is 2:00 pm on the Saturday before an election.
3. When are water bills due? Payment deadlines are January 15, April 15, July 15, and October 15. Postdated checks will be returned.
4. Where is Farmington located? Farmington and Farmington Hills are separate cities. Farmington is north of Livonia, east of Novi, west of Southfield, and south of Ten Mile Road.
5. How do I obtain a final water bill? Record your current water meter reading and contact the Treasurer's Office to request your final bill.
6. Where is City Hall located and what are its hours? City Hall is at 23600 Liberty Street, along Grand River Road, half a block west of Farmington Road. Hours are 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
7. Does the city provide birth and death certificates? No, contact Oakland County at 248-858-0571 for these documents.
8. How can I purchase a cemetery lot? Cemetery lots are no longer available. Contact the City Clerk's Office at 248-474-5500 for information on cemetery policies.
9. Where can I find information about elected officials? Visit our website for a complete list of elected representatives.
10. What are the tax rates and deadlines? Visit the Treasurer's section of our website for this information.
11. Where is the Chamber of Commerce? The Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce is at Grand River, Suite 101, Farmington, MI 48335. Mary Engelman is the CEO/President (248-919-6917).
12. What parks are available and are there usage fees? Farmington has five parks: Drake, Shiawassee, Memorial, Downtown Riley, and Women's Park. Pavilion reservations for Shiawassee Park can be made through the City Clerk's Office. Ball field reservations are handled by Farmington Hills.
13. How do I get a pet license? Visit the Oakland County website for information on obtaining dog and cat licenses.
14. Where can I find severe weather information? Listen to radio stations WJR (760 AM), WWJ (950 AM), or check the local cable weather channel.