American Water in Clarkston headed to Mission of Hope in Flint, Feb. 15, to deliver a truck filled with hundreds of gallons of bottled water to help people in the water crisis.
‘I felt like helping because clean water is so important,’said Jim McNulty, owner.
McNulty said Flint officials have trouble storing the massive amounts of water donations flowing into the city for residents, unable to use tap water due to lead tainted pipes.
Flint grabbed the world’s attention for poisoned water, but the city is far from alone when facing clean water issues.
Independence Township Supervisor Pat Kittle ordered testing for each of the townships 14 underground water wells that supply water to residents .
Wells were tested for petroleum, and numerous other chemicals, not performed or required by state law to meet water quality standards.
‘Water quality issues are a major concern,? Kittle said. ‘Township staff placed the 16 confirmed leak on a map, and considered how pollution plumes will move and spread over time.?
Independence Township’s tests on the 14 water wells came back clean, but future water quality may get worse.
‘It worries me to know where these leaks are in relation to the townships wells,? he said.
A test to detect arsenic in water can be obtained through the Oakland County Health Department. Other tests for various contaminants can be obtained through the county. Arsenic is just one of several contaminants, including salt spread on icy roads, which can seep into water.
‘Anyone on private wells should have their water tested,? Kittle said. ‘The test is about $100 and done by the state.?
Tests can also can also be done privately, like those offered by American Water.
McNulty said American Water can test water quality and screen for numerous contaminants. The company also delivers purified water, water systems and filter to homes. Customers can also visit his business to pick up supplies themselves.
‘We offer a whole home system capable of removing 93 percent of chemicals from water,? McNulty said. ‘We have filters for lead and petroleum too.?
Reverse Osmosis, a water purification system, can be installed too.