The City of Battle Creek has issued a public notice after recent quarterly testing found that total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) in some parts of the local drinking water system remain above federal standards. The affected areas include Battle Creek, Emmett Township, certain streets in Pennfield Township, and Springfield customers who receive water from Battle Creek.
TTHMs are byproducts formed when chlorine used for disinfecting water reacts with organic materials present in the source water. According to the city, ongoing construction at the Verona Well Field has contributed to increased TTHM levels. During well replacement work, large volumes of water are pumped, raising organic material levels and requiring additional disinfectants to protect against bacteria. This process can result in higher TTHM formation.
Elevated TTHM levels were first detected in Emmett Township in late 2024 and were later observed throughout other parts of the system following tests conducted in early 2025. While some November test results have fallen below the federal limit of 80 parts per billion at specific locations, overall system averages still exceed regulatory requirements due to earlier elevated readings.
Customers impacted by these findings will receive letters detailing the latest results and ongoing efforts to address TTHM levels. The notice is also posted on the city’s website.
The city emphasized that “the rise in TTHM levels does not pose an immediate health emergency,” and that “you do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions.” It added: “The city will notify the public within 24 hours if the water becomes unsafe to drink.”
However, officials caution that long-term exposure to high TTHM concentrations may affect organs such as the liver or kidneys and could increase cancer risk. Individuals with compromised immune systems, infants, or older adults are advised to consult their healthcare provider.
Water quality varies across affected communities:
– In Battle Creek, recent sampling shows mixed results depending on location; overall system levels remain above federal standards.
– Emmett Township has seen individual test numbers decline since August but still exceeds annual limits.
– Springfield’s most recent samples are below federal standards but residents are notified because their supply comes from Battle Creek.
– Only specific streets in Pennfield Township are impacted; monitoring continues there.
To address these issues, Battle Creek is working with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). Measures being taken include adjusting treatment processes (such as adding permanganate), managing how water is stored and moved through the system, increasing hydrant flushing to clear older water from pipes, expanding sampling efforts at various points including Verona Well Field and throughout distribution lines, conducting quarterly operational evaluations until compliance is achieved, and continuing well replacement projects aimed at improving source-water quality over time.
City officials expect these steps will gradually lower TTHM levels and restore compliance with federal regulations.
For further information about the Verona Well Field project or specific sample results, residents can visit the city’s website. Health-related questions can be directed to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Toxicology and Environmental Health Hotline at 800‑648‑6942. For questions regarding sampling or water systems, Steve Skalski, Director of Public Works for Battle Creek, can be reached at 269‑966‑3490 or via email at saskalski@battlecreekmi.gov. In-person inquiries may be made at 150 S. Kendall St., Battle Creek.
“The rise in TTHM levels does not pose an immediate health emergency.
You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions.
The city will notify the public within 24 hours if the water becomes unsafe to drink.”
