(STURGIS) – The City of Sturgis has released the results of tests done on wells for PFAS.

In August of 2020, the City voluntarily tested 12 private drinking water wells south of the Big Hill Landfill as part of proactive monitor of PFAS levels. Test results were received on August 21 and September 4. All tests at that time were reported below the State of Michigan's most recent drinking water quality standards.

PFAS are a group of industrial chemicals that have been used world-wide in common consumer products and manufacturing processes. In early August, the State of Michigan finalized new regulations which limit seven PFAS chemicals in municipal drinking water. One of the chemicals, PFOA, has a limit of 8 parts per trillion and PFOS has a limit of 16 parts per trillion.

In October 2019 Sturgis sampled water at three locations at the Big Hill Landfill for PFAS. Results identified one location with a PFOA of 11.5 ppt, above the at the time proposed drinking water standard. The City voluntarily tested additional wells further south on City property in February 2020. Those tests also came back above State levels and led the City to expand testing to residential sites further south of Big Hill Road.

Samples were collected from nine location on August 5 and three on August 28. Test results were received on August 21 and September 4. The results found non-detects for all PFAS chemicals at all buy one testing location. That location had a detectable result of 2.26 ppt for PFOS, which is below the State's drinking water quality standard.

While this testing does not impact the City's municipal water supply, the City continues to monitor water quality of the drinking water system as well as surface water discharges from the wastewater treatment plant and the Big Hill Landfill treatment system.