Residents of a southwest Michigan community could soon have a permanent solution to ongoing water contamination.
The state discovered high levels of contaminants known as PFAS in Parchment city water late last month, but the state found that nearby Kalamazoo’s city water is safe to drink.
PFAS is a group of chemicals often used in nonstick cookware and firefighting foam. Some PFAS compounds have been linked to testicular and kidney cancer.
Governor Rick Snyder visited the construction site in Parchment where the two cities’ water systems are being connected. He says state and local officials are working very well together in Parchment.
“All hands on deck to try to help the residents of Parchment get through a transition to a safer water supply,” Snyder said.
Snyder says the alternative drinking water sources, including bottled water, have worked so far.
“I think there’s been a lot of progress, you can physically see it here. The temporary connection is working well. They’re currently flushing (Parchment) water with Kalamazoo water but this is a permanent solution we’re looking at here,” he said.
Kalamazoo’s city commission is expected to vote on a plan to permanently connect the two cities’ water systems Monday night.
Parchment residents will continue to get free cases of bottled water until state and local officials announce the water is safe to drink.
