The City of Manistee is working to ensure safe drinking water for residents.

It comes after periodic testing of tap water in people’s homes found three out of the 20 samples exceeded the 15 parts-per-billion action level of lead established by the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act.

“Right now, we are following the state guidelines for whenever you have a lead action exceedance,” said Manistee City Manager, William Gambill. “We did 20 tests; three were high so what happens is now we have to do 40 tests due by June 30, 2022.”

Part of the state’s guidance is a message on Michiganders’ water bills at least every quarter.

It’s not a new warning of lead levels, but a reminder that the city is working with the state to fix the issue.

“It is nice to know, but even if our reads are safe, I am still interested in the whole city of Manistee. Hopefully, everybody will be the same, and if not well, one part is not better than the other,” said Christine Orona, a resident of Manistee.

In the meantime, residents of the City of Manistee can test their tap water for free through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

“I encourage people to contact that department to schedule a water testing if they are concerned about lead or copper levels in their homes,” said Gambill.

Some people have already taken the MDDHS up on the free water testing offer.

“Anonymously, they’ve told us out of the 60; two are high. We’ve followed up with them, and it seems like it was kind of a stagnate water internal plumbing issue,” said Gambill. “However, but I think people should take this seriously and take the opportunity to have your water tested, find out where you may have problems that should be corrected.”

You can contact the MDHHS’ drinking water hotline at 844-934-1315 to schedule a test.

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Originally Appeared Here