The residents of two Kalamazoo County communities were ordered to stop using their water for drinking or cooking after the discovery of high amounts of industrial chemicals.
Michigan and county health officials said Thursday the water supply of the city of Parchment and Cooper Township has been contaminated with Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The substances include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). The chemicals have been used in manufacturing, firefighting and thousands of household and consumer products.
Authorities say boiling water or using common residential filters will not remove PFAS. While people can bathe and wash clothes contaminated by the chemicals, consumption by humans, farm animals and pets is not recommended.
Gov. Rick Snyder late Thursday directed the state departments of Environmental Quality, Health and Human Services, and State Police to assist residents of Parchment and Cooper Township.
Authorities say bottled water will be provided to residents on Friday.
