BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — A drinking water standard violation remains in effect for water customers in Battle Creek, Springfield, Emmett Township, and parts of Pennfield Township.
Quarterly testing in August showed that total trihalomethanes (TTHM) levels exceeded the federal maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 80 parts per billion (ppb) at sites in Battle Creek, Emmett Township, and Pennfield Township. TTHM levels in Springfield remained below the MCL for August, but the Running Annual Average (RAA) — based on the four most recent quarterly samples — remains above the MCL.
Older sample results continue to influence the RAA. Until those are replaced by consistently lower readings, the violation will remain in effect.
What this means for customers
Impacted customers will receive a letter from the city’s water division with details about the latest results and ongoing efforts to reduce TTHM levels. The letter is also available on the city's website.
- This is not an immediate health emergency.
- There is no need to boil water or take other corrective actions.
- The city will notify the public within 24 hours if the water becomes unsafe to drink.
- Long-term exposure to high TTHM levels may affect the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may increase cancer risk.
People with compromised immune systems, infants, or older adults should consult their healthcare provider.
Why TTHM levels increased
Between May and August 2025, TTHM levels increased at the sample sites in Battle Creek and Emmett Township, likely due to a combination of older water in those areas. These sites are located in parts of the system with limited water demand and infrastructure that restricts flow, allowing water to remain in the system longer and contributing to elevated TTHM concentrations. Rainfall during this period may have also introduced more organic material into the source water, which can react with disinfectants to form TTHMs.
In contrast, the Springfield site showed lower levels, thanks to adjustments made to hydraulic control valves in collaboration with Springfield Department of Public Works (DPW) staff. These changes improved circulation and allowed fresher water to move through the area, resulting in better sampling outcomes.
TTHM exceedance background
The city believes that the main cause for the elevated TTHM is related to the condition of the aged well casings in the wellfield. The current well rehabilitation project at the Verona Well Field will greatly reduce this concern. This project began two years ago, with well drilling starting in August 2024. To protect the water from potential bacteria entering the wells through the old casings, the city used additional disinfectants, which likely contributed to higher TTHM levels.
- December 2024: Violation identified in Emmett Township.
- March 2025: The city notified all water customers when the exceedance expanded to the rest of the system following quarterly sampling in February 2025.
- June 2025: The city notified all water customers when the RAA remained above the MCL following quarterly sampling in May 2025.
- October 2025: The city notified all water customers following quarter three sampling.
What the city is doing
The city is working with consulting engineers and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to reduce TTHM levels through several actions:
- Using a water model to assess water age and guide a strategic flushing program.
- Adjusting treatment processes to reduce TTHM formation.
- Completing two system-wide hydrant flushing efforts — in May and August.
- Increasing sampling at Verona Well Field and throughout the system.
- Conducting quarterly operational evaluations.
- Replacing aging wells at Verona Well Field:
- Seven permits secured; five pending.
- Pump installation is underway.
- Once five wells are installed, they will be connected and placed into service.
These efforts are expected to continue lowering TTHM levels and bring the system back into compliance.
Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.
More information
Visit the city website to learn more about the Verona Well Field project and view TTHM sample results.
Health-related questions: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Toxicology and Environmental Health hotline, 800-648-6942.
Water System/sampling questions: Perry Hart, Battle Creek’s Utility Administrator, at 269-966-3481 or plhart@battlecreekmi.gov