MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, Mich. — The city of Muskegon Heights is addressing concerns over the city's drinking water after misinformation was shared online earlier this week.
Interim City Manager Melvin C. Burns II says there are no current restrictions on drinking water that has been treated at the Muskegon Heights Water Filtration Plant for residents in the city.
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) found earlier this year the city was in violation of the Safe Drinking Water Act and there were defects in the water system's design, operation and maintenance.
Mayor Walter Watt says the city has worked over the last few months to address these issues.
Burns acknowledges they did fall behind though they have made some staffing improvements.
"We've had some staff shortages and some maintenance issues we're behind on because of staff shortages," said Burns. "Then we had to hire some additional staff bring the licensure up for the operators at the plant. We've done those things that that took place back in January, February this year."
Despite these problems, EGLE doesn't have any evidence the water quality in the city has been impacted at this time.
EGLE wants to make sure the city has a plan for long-term staffing and maintenance.
"They also wanted us to look at other ways to operate the plant as opposed to the city operating it," said Burns. "Those are studies that have to be done over the next 18 months."
That study would include cost estimates and the impacts on water rate affordability.
City council will review the alternatives study, consider public comments, and vote to select an alternative.
Many within the city have also been sharing a photo that is warning residents that the water was deemed an "immediate health risk" that put Muskegon Heights under a state order. City officials say this claim is false.
"If for any reason the water were deemed unsafe, you will be notified immediately by the City of Muskegon Heights and/or the Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy," Burns said in a press release Wednesday.
Burns believes an article published earlier this week may have contained misinformation, leading to confusion for many residents.
"Hopefully, they'll see this and drink their water, take their bath, whatever they need to do this afternoon and this evening with absolute confidence," said Burns wanting to reassure the public about the water quality in Muskegon Heights.
If you have any questions, you can contact the City of Muskegon Heights or the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, Drinking Water Division.
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