The City of Owosso Public Water Supply is in compliance with the 1992 Safe Drinking Water Act Lead and Copper Rule and all revisions to the rule. The City of Owosso is required by the State of Michigan to sample for Lead and Copper every three years. This involves 30 sampling points through the City most likely to have higher concentrations. The most recent survey was completed in 2014, and the next survey is scheduled for 2017.
Lead and copper are not contaminants produced from water treatment. The City of Owosso provides its source of drinking water from ground wells. This source of water is much more stable than from a surface water source exposed to the environment. These wells and the recharge areas surrounding the wells are also protected by an approved State of Michigan Well Head Protection Plan.
Lead concentrations are typically generated from older piping installations during the early to later middle 1900’s. Most of these sources are:
· Lead water service lines (lead service lines are targeted for removal during each street and/or water main construction project scheduled).
· Copper piping with lead/tin solder joints.
· Brass used in plumbing fittings, fixtures, valves, meters, and faucets typically contain about 8% lead.
Copper concentrations are typically generated from the following sources:
· Copper piping within the premises of the residential or commercial building.
· Copper piping between the water main and the curb-stop.
Lead and Copper concentrations in your drinking water can be reduced or eliminated by the following actions:
· Water softening at the City of Owosso Water Filtration Plant. The use of lime to remove hardness from the ground water source, leaves a film on the inside of all water piping and fixtures it comes into contact with, which minimizes the leaching out lead and copper into the consumers drinking water.
· Removal of lead water service lines from the water main to the building.
· Purchase of plumbing fixtures with little to no lead content (consult a plumber).
· Purchase of alternative piping materials for building installation (consult a plumber).
· Purchase of solder (for copper piping joints) with no lead (consult a plumber).
If customers have concerns about their drinking water, have it tested. You may contact the Director of Utilities at 989-725-0555 for this assistance.