JACKSON, Mich. — Last month, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality found traces of PFAS in the river near downtown Jackson.
The city is trying to get the message out that there's no reason to be worried, at least for now.
"We thought it was important to put the word out there that we have been keeping an eye on this, we have been testing the water," said city spokesman Aaron Dimick.
In August, the DEQ found PFAS levels in the old Michner Plating factory which lies next to the Grand River in Jackson.
Just months later, the chemical was detected in the water.
"Yes, this is a very big concern, but we want people to know that the city of Jackson does not get their water supply from the Grand River,” said Dimick.”We don't even use groundwater from here in Jackson. We use a large aquifer in mid-Michigan called the Marshall aquifer, so we're getting our water from there and, of course, testing it."
The DEQ isn't required to conduct a cleanup unless the level of PFAS exceeds 70 parts per trillion.
"The amount of PFAS that is currently in the river is not enough to trigger a cleanup from the DEQ. We're going to monitor the drinking water here to make sure it's safe, but right now, we don't know of any concern," said Dimick.
But even the smallest trace of PFAS means people who spend time on or near the river should tread lightly.
"When it comes to the river, people are going to have to see what it means for them, and decide whether to interact with the river or not," said Dimick.
The old Michner Plating factory is one of more than 60 locations around the state that have tested positive for measurable levels of PFAS.
It’s the only active investigation site in the Jackson area.
