Mayor Says New Baltimore Water Safe Despite Contaminants

New Baltimore drinking water is safe, according to officials. Though a low level of contamination was found in municipal water intake systems, the New Baltimore Voice reports.

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) told New Baltimore officials March 8 that microscopic amounts of perfloroalkyl and polyfloroalkyl ha been detected in water from the Lake St. Clair intake and taps in the water treatment plant in January.

“I want to assure the residents of the city that their water is safe to drink and that a boil water advisory has not been issued, as there is no need,” New Baltimore Mayor John Dupray said in a statement.

Perfloroalkyl and polyfloroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS or PFCs, chemicals used in industrial settings in items like carpet, plastics, cleaning supplies and other consumer items, according to the Voice. The amounts of the chemicals found in the intake and taps are too low to be considered harmful, officials say.

New Baltimore will work with the to address the situation, according to Dupray. Officials say it’s safe to bathe and do laundry using water with PFAS because the chemicals cannot be easily absorbed by skin.

For full coverage, follow this story with the New Baltimore Voice.

Photo via the City of New Baltimore.