CEDAR SPRINGS, Mich. — The City of Cedar Springs shared an announcement to Facebook after high levels of arsenic were detected in its water system.
The city said that while this is not an emergency, they are sharing the information since they feel customers have a right to know what happened and what steps are being taken to correct the situation.
Levels of arsenic found in the water during recent routine testing was 11 parts per billion (ppb). The standard level for arsenic is 10 ppb.
The city said residents do not need to seek an alternate water supply, such as bottled water. However, if you have any specific health concerns you are urged to call your doctor.
They also stressed that this is not an immediate risk. They said in a case where it was, they would have notified residents immediately. However, some people who drink water containing arsenic in excess of the standard level over many years could experience symptoms such as skin damage, problems with their circulatory system or an increased risk of cancer.
The city said well #3 had the high level of arsenic. It is the oldest well in the city's water system and has already been in the process of being replaced. The permit to replace the well was issued March 6 and construction is planned to begin the last week of March.
After the discovery if the high level of arsenic the well was immediately taken out of service and isolated from the city's water system. The well will no longer be used to supply water to the city.
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