Waterford Township

The Waterford Township Department of Public Works (DPW) proudly presents its nineteenth annual Municipal Water Quality Report. While EPA and Michigan Division of Environmental Quality regulations require water utilities to report on water quality, the DPW considers it essential to inform residents about their water safety and the importance of protecting our water resources.

We're pleased to announce there were no treatment or monitoring violations for Operational Year 2017. For questions about this report or other water quality matters, please contact Gerald Ward (Water Treatment Foreman) at 248-618-7483 or email gward@waterfordmi.gov.

Water sources including tap water and bottled water can contain small amounts of certain contaminants. The DPW utilizes wells as our water source. As water travels through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activity.

Where does my water come from?
Waterford Township's water comes from 19 wells at 11 different locations throughout the township. Treatment occurs at 11 Water Treatment Plants where we remove iron, add chlorine for disinfection, and incorporate Ortho-Phosphate for corrosion control to prevent lead and copper from leaching into the water.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants from sewage facilities, septic systems, agriculture, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants including naturally-occurring minerals or those from urban runoff, industrial discharges, and farming
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and waste systems
• Agricultural chemicals including herbicides and fertilizers
• Radioactive contaminants occurring naturally or resulting from oil/gas production and mining

Health Effects of Common Contaminants:

• Copper: While an essential nutrient, excessive copper can cause gastrointestinal distress in the short-term and liver/kidney damage over many years. Those with Wilson's disease should consult their physicians.
• Fluoride: Occurs naturally in our groundwater (not added). Excessive fluoride can cause bone disease and mottled teeth in children.
• Lead: Primarily comes from materials in service lines and home plumbing. Flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes after water has been sitting can minimize exposure. Children exposed to elevated lead levels may experience developmental issues, while adults may develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.
• Arsenic: While our water meets EPA standards, it contains low arsenic levels. Arsenic is a naturally-occurring element that at high concentrations can cause cancer and other health effects including skin damage and circulatory problems.
• Nitrate: Formed when oxygen combines with nitrogen, concentrations can increase from septic systems and fertilizers. Infants under six months exposed to high nitrate levels may develop serious illness including "blue baby syndrome."

Waterford Township takes pride in delivering safe, clean water to our community and maintaining rigorous testing protocols to ensure your family's health and wellbeing.

1. How often is Waterford Township water tested?
2. What causes water hardness in Waterford's municipal supply?
3. How can residents reduce exposure to potential contaminants?
4. Are water filters recommended for Waterford Township residents?
5. Where can I get information about water main repairs in my neighborhood?