BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — The City of Battle Creek is providing an updated public notice regarding a maximum contaminant level (MCL) violation for total trihalomethanes (TTHMs). This violation applies to Emmett Township and specific portions of Pennfield Township that receive water from Battle Creek.

The violation does not apply citywide. Customers in Battle Creek and Springfield are included in notifications because they receive water from the same source; however, the MCL violation under federal drinking water regulations is limited to Emmett Township and certain Pennfield Township locations.

The city has mailed an updated public notice explaining the latest test results to affected customers. The full public notice with detailed test results and applicable locations is available on the city website.

Key information

• This is not an immediate health emergency.
• You do not need to boil your water or take other corrective actions.
• Drinking water remains safe for normal use.
• Long‑term exposure to elevated TTHM levels may pose health risks. Individuals with compromised immune systems, infants, or older adults may wish to consult their healthcare provider.
• The city will notify the public within 24 hours if drinking water becomes unsafe.

What the latest testing shows

Recent sampling, including results collected earlier this year, shows variation by location, with some individual test results below the federal standard. However, compliance is based on a running annual average, meaning earlier elevated results continue to count toward the regulatory determination. Public‑notice requirements remain in effect for these portions of the system until compliance is achieved.

Why this is happening

TTHMs form when chlorine, which is used to disinfect drinking water, reacts with naturally occurring organic material. Elevated levels were first identified in Emmett Township in late 2024 and expanded following early 2025 sampling.

Ongoing construction and rehabilitation at the Verona Well Field have been identified as contributing factors. Well replacement requires pumping large volumes of water during drilling and redevelopment, which can temporarily increase organic material in source water and affect disinfection needs.

What the city is doing

The City of Battle Creek is working closely with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and continues required corrective actions, including operational evaluations, treatment adjustments, distribution‑system management, targeted hydrant flushing, and expanded monitoring.

As part of long‑term improvements, four newly constructed wells were placed into service at the Verona Well Field in early March 2026. Additional wells will be brought online in phases as final approvals are received.

Contact information

TTHM sampling results

Extended description: Line chart titled “TTHM Sampling Results” showing quarterly Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) levels in parts per billion (ppb) at four locations—Emmett Township Site 1, Springfield Site 1, Battle Creek Site 1, and Battle Creek Site 2—compared to the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 80 ppb. All sites exceed the MCL in late 2024 and peak in February 2025, with Emmett Township Site 1 reaching approximately 170 ppb. Levels decline through 2025, and by February 2026 all locations are below the MCL.

Extended description: Line chart titled “Portions of Pennfield Township” showing TTHM sampling results for Pennfield Township Site 1. Results rise from approximately 81 ppb in May 2025 to a peak near 130 ppb in November 2025, then decrease to approximately 99 ppb in February 2026. All values exceed the EPA MCL of 80 ppb.

City of Battle Creek
10 N. Division St., Battle Creek, MI 49014
269‑966‑3311 | publicinput@battlecreekmi.gov
https://www.battlecreekmi.gov