News Release: Chesaning Asks Residents to Help Keep Drinking Water Safe
March 15, 2022
Contact: James Wickman, Village Administrator
villageadmin@villageofchesaning.org or 989-845-3800
CHESANING – The Village of Chesaning is asking 222 residents for permission to inspect their water service line, in front of and inside their homes. The proactive effort is part of a Drinking Water Asset Management (DWAM) grant received by the Village to inventory materials used on the water system. The work will help identify, account for, and eventually eliminate any lead service lines.
The DWAM grant is offered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), who requires a certain number of randomly selected properties to be inspected. Physical inspections of water connections at the curb stop in front of the home and at the meter inside the home allows the Village to identify what materials were used. Like other communities developed over decades, a variety of materials (e.g., copper, galvanized, lead, and plastic) were used as a standard construction practice over time.
“The Village has a proud history of providing safe drinking water to Chesaning families and businesses. We are committed to keep this healthy tradition and you can help. This simple inspection will help us determine whether any lead service lines exist in our system and plan next steps for any needed replacement,” says Matthew Hoover, Village President.
The property owners selected randomly will be receiving a letter this week explaining the program, with instructions for accepting or declining the courtesy inspection. Village Administrator James Wickman said, “Owners simply need to return a signed agreement to the Village and await scheduling of the inspection. Many have already responded and we just need the others to follow up.”