Levels of manganese — a metallic element — have been detected at levels higher than federal acute health advisory recommendations in Battle Creek’s drinking water.
The levels were first found at a fire hydrant in Springfield, which buys water from Battle Creek.
More testing was done, and elevated levels also found at a hydrant in Battle Creek.
There are no elevated results from Bedford, Emmett, and Pennfield townships, however, the city is including customers in those areas as well.
The health advisory level for children under 12 months old is 0.3 ppm for short-term exposure – one to 10 days.
The health advisory level for children older than 12 months, and adults, is 1.0 ppm for short-term exposure.
The city also tested the water where it comes out of the drinking water treatment plant – Verona Pumping Station – and did not find manganese.
At the levels found in the above samples, the body of adults and children older than 12 months, can remove excess manganese.
For more information about manganese and your health, please contact the Calhoun County Public Health Department hotline at 269-969-6852.
The city also has set up a hotline, 269-966-3311, which will provide the information here, and connect callers with Department of Public Works staff, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.