Four homes with high chromium levels switched to Allegan city water

ALLEGAN, MI – Four homes with chromium-contaminated private well water in Allegan Township will soon be connected to Allegan’s municipal water supply.
The EPA sampled 21 wells in Allegan, a U.S. EPA spokesperson said.
The properties that will be switched to the municipal system draw water from two wells that tested high for chromium contamination.
Allegan’s municipal drinking water is not affected by chromium contamination, according to the news release.
Because it is too early in the EPA’s water quality testing process to determine the source of contamination, the EPA will cover the cost of the transfer, according to the spokesperson.
Property owners with private wells where chromium contamination was not found or found in low levels can also request a connection to the municipal water system at their own expense, according the news release.
An estimated 2 million gallons of water, used to extinguish the fire, permeated into the groundwater, according to the website.
In June 2017, test results from a second residential well showed chromium levels again exceeding the EPA’s maximum contamination level.
Chromium compounds are used for chrome plating, dyes and leather and wood preservation.
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality is working with the U.S. EPA, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Allegan County Health Department, Allegan Township and the city of Allegan to ensure public health and safety is maintained, according to the website.

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