PARCHMENT, Mich. - Governor Rick Snyder was in West Michigan Sunday morning.
Snyder toured a water system construction site in Parchment. The projects includes a new pressure reduction system that will allow Parchment to transition to the city of Kalamazoo water. The city's water supply is being flushed out, and the city of Kalamazoo will provide water to Parchment and Cooper Township residents.
This comes after water in Parchment was found to be contaminated with man-made chemicals called perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The city residents were told to stop using the water due to the contamination July 26. Water tests showed the PFAS level in Parchment was 20 times higher than the recommended amount of 70 parts per trillion -- an advisory level set up by the United State Environmental Protection Agency.
A local state of emergency has been set for Parchment, and neighboring Cooper Township, over the water concerns. And just last week Gov. Snyder declared a state of emergency for Kalamazoo County.
Some studies suggest PFAS might affect fetal development, disrupt hormonal functions, damage fertility and immune systems, and boost the risk of cancer. But there is a great deal about the long term effects that remains unknown.
If residents have questions or concerns about PFAS or health, they're encouraged to call 269-373-5346 to talk to public health experts.
PFAS has been an issue in Kent County over the past year, and officials from the DEQ released test results of water samples taken in Portage on Saturday, July 28. Of the eight samples taken from different public water supplies, two returned results for PFAS. But they were below the advisory level set by the EPA.
Gov. Snyder emphasized that Michigan is now leading the country when it comes to PFAS testing and follow up.
Bottled water is continuing to be distributed to residents in Parchment. It will be available at Parchment High School from 12-8 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is also on-site recycling available for residents at the high school to return used water bottles.
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