Residents in the city of Parchment and those in Cooper Township on the Parchment water system are being told not to drink the water after elevated levels of PFAS were discovered Thursday.
Exposure to PFAS has been linked to cancer and other diseases. Kalamazoo County’s Department of Health and Community Services says water should not consumed, used for cooking, rinsing fruits and vegetables or for baby formula. PFAS is not removed by boiling water or through household water filters.
The water is considered safe for laundry and bathing. Bottled water is being provided at Parchment High School until 8:00 Friday night. The city of Parchment says people who can't get to the high school should call 269-373-5346.
The county says Parchment’s water system is being drained. Once that happens, the city of Kalamazoo will connect people on Parchment’s water system to the city of Kalamazoo’s water supply. The city of Kalamazoo will flush Parchment’s water system until tests show that PFAS are below health advisory levels.
