PARCHMENT, MI — Bottled water is being discontinued for people connected to the Parchment public water system, but will continue for some residents on private wells.
Kalamaazoo County health leaders on Wednesday, Aug. 29 said that, because of PFAS contamination, residents on private wells within 1.5 miles of the former Parchement well field — and east of the Kalamazoo River — can still receive bottled water supplies.
Residents on private wells within the green-dashed line can receive free bottled waterCourtesy: Kalamazoo County Health Department Residents on the Parchment public water system, now safely connected to Kalamazoo City water, have water that is safe to drink and use for household purposes, health officials said.
"With the Parchment municipal water system back in operation, the top priority is protecting the remaining members of the public who depend on private wells for their drinking water from unacceptable levels of PFAS contamination," health leaders said.
The Health Department issued a map to show the 1.5-mile radius, using a green-dashed line as the boundary.
Residents on private wells within the purple-dotted line — the area of greatest concern for significant PFAS contamination to private wells — are being offered bottled water until "point-of-use" filters can be installed in their homes free-of-charge.
Residents who live between the purple and green lines can have bottled water delivered to their homes at no cost until a long-term solution is determined.
The distribution center for bottled water, at Haven Reformed Church, is open Thursday from 2-7 p.m. for residents on private wells within the 1.5-mile radius.
Those with questions can call the Parchment Water Hotline at 269-373-5346 on weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., until Friday, September 7.