BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — The City of Battle Creek has issued a public notice after quarterly testing showed elevated levels of total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) in portions of the drinking water system serving Battle Creek and Emmett Township. Portions of Pennfield Township and customers in Springfield who receive water from Battle Creek are also included.
Since the previous quarterly sampling in August, some November test results were below the federal drinking water standard of 80 parts per billion at certain locations. However, overall TTHM levels across the system have not yet declined enough to meet the regulatory standard, which is based on results collected over time. Earlier elevated results continue to factor into compliance determinations, even as more recent sampling shows improvement in some areas.
Key information for neighbors
Impacted customers will receive a letter from the water division detailing the latest results and efforts to reduce TTHM in the municipal water supply. The notice is also available on the city website.
- 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.
- Long-term exposure to high TTHM levels may affect the liver, kidneys, or central nervous system, and may increase cancer risk. While no immediate precautions are necessary, individuals with compromised immune systems, infants, or older adults should consult their healthcare provider.
What this means for your water system
- Battle Creek: Recent results show mixed changes by sampling location, and the system remains above the federal standard. Reduction efforts are ongoing.
- Emmett Township: Individual test results have generally declined since August, but the annual average remains above the regulatory limit. Emmett Township is included in Battle Creek’s corrective actions.
- Springfield: Recent samples remain below the federal drinking water standard. Customers are notified because Springfield receives water from Battle Creek.
- Pennfield Township (limited areas): Only specific streets that receive Battle Creek water are affected. Results vary by location, and monitoring continues.
Background
TTHMs are byproducts that form when chlorine, used to disinfect drinking water, reacts with naturally occurring organic material. The city has identified the ongoing Verona Well Field rehabilitation project as the primary contributor to elevated TTHM levels.
As aging wells are replaced, large volumes of water must be pumped during construction, increasing organic material in the source water. Additional disinfectants were required during this work to protect against bacteria, creating conditions that can lead to higher TTHM formation.
Elevated TTHM levels were first identified in Emmett Township in late 2024 and expanded system‑wide following early 2025 sampling. Continued testing throughout 2025 confirmed impacts in Battle Creek, Emmett Township, and limited areas of Pennfield Township that receive Battle Creek water. Springfield is included in notifications because it receives Battle Creek water, though its system is currently below the federal standard.
What the city is doing
The city is working closely with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to reduce TTHM levels and return the system to compliance. Actions underway include:
- Adjusting water treatment processes, including the addition of permanganate, to reduce TTHM formation.
- Managing water age by changing how water is stored and moved through the system.
- Expanded hydrant flushing to remove older water from areas with longer residence times.
- Additional sampling at the Verona Well Field, treatment facility, and throughout the distribution system to guide improvements.
- Quarterly operational evaluations to assess water movement, storage practices, and other system factors until compliance is achieved.
- Ongoing well replacement to improve long‑term source‑water conditions.
These combined efforts are expected to continue lowering TTHM levels and restore compliance over time.
More information
Learn about the Verona Well Field project and view TTHM sample results on the city website.
| Health-related questions | Water system or sampling questions |
| Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services Toxicology and Environmental Health Hotline | Steve Skalski, Director of Public Works,
City of Battle Creek |
| Call: 800‑648‑6942 | Call: 269‑966‑3490
Email: saskalski@battlecreekmi.gov |
| In person: Department of Public Works
150 S. Kendall St., Battle Creek, MI 49037 |
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