ANN ARBOR, MI – Ann Arbor officials are expressing confidence the city’s water is safe to drink, despite being contaminated with PFAS chemicals that have links to cancer and other health problems.
Ann Arbor is installing new carbon filters at its water treatment plant to try to reduce PFAS levels in the water residents drink.
The city is doing well metrics-wise when it comes to drinking water safety, argued Council Member Julie Grand, D-3rd Ward, who has a doctorate degree in public health.
“People are concerned about the water,” he said.
At least seven types of the so-called “forever chemicals” have been detected in Ann Arbor’s drinking water and the levels have been as high as 88.1 parts per trillion in recent months.
Multiple council members suggested there may come a time for the city to take more action.
“My entire life here in Ann Arbor, we’ve been watching the plume spread, and now we have all kinds of situations,” he said, expressing hopes there will be new enforcement action against the polluter.
Promote responsible economic development.
Provide opportunities for organizations and residents to actively participate in local government in ways that engage the community to enhance community quality of life.
They expressed hopes the city can partner more with the University of Michigan and leverage university resources and expertise to advance shared priorities, such as in the areas of pedestrian safety and housing.