Test results are back for Imlay City, with lead appearing in 14 out of 22 Imlay City homes sampled. The news comes a week following reports by Lapeer County’s director of Central Dispatch and Emergency Services, Jeff Satkowski, that Lapeer city had been notified of potential lead contamination issues in their water as well.
A spokeswoman with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Resources reports that 2 of the 14 Imlay City samples have lead readings registering above the federal action limit for it. This find came after the August 13th water main break, when the involved state agencies took water samples from Lapeer, Almont and Imlay City, as all three cities had new water sources introduced following the break. Imlay City is still waiting on the results for 9 more homes.
While the Lapeer readings came from homes with galvanized pipes, there is not enough data so far to determine the case for Imlay City. The notifications came from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (MDHHS and EGLE, respectively), with both state agencies urging residents of those properties to use an alternative water source, such as bottled water for consumption, or to use a certified lead-reducing water filter, with the county health department having a few of these filters for free.
Again, the water can presently be used for bathing, washing hands and washing dishes, but for brushing teeth or preparing food and infant formula, bottled or filtered water is a must.
Any additional questions can be directed to 800-MI-TOXICS (800-648-6942), with residents able to request bottled water delivery by calling the city at (810) 724-2135.
