© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Clean water running to Parchment, but residents still haven't been told water is safe

Governor Rick Snyder on construction site
Bryce Huffman
/
Michigan Radio
Governor Rick Snyder on construction site in Parchment where Kalamazoo city water is being connected

Parchment residents are one step closer to being able to drink their tap water again.

It’s been two weeks since Parchment residents first learned their water is unsafe to drink. But the state of emergency status hasn’t been lifted yet.

That’s because state officials are waiting for test results to come back showing the water is indeed safe.

Earlier this week, the Kalamazoo City Commission unanimously voted to extend their water system to the neighboring city of Parchment.

The chemicals of concern are called PFAS. Those chemicals are often used in firefighting foam and waterproofing materials.

Some PFAS compounds have been linked to kidney and testicular cancer, along with thyroid disease.

A Michigan Department of Environmental Quality spokesperson says the test results will be back early next week. Cases of bottled water are still available for residents to pick up for free.

Bryce Huffman was Michigan Radio’s West Michigan Reporter and host of Same Same Different. He is currently a reporter for Bridge Detroit.
Related Content