WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Concerns over lead-polluted water in Three Rivers were voiced at last week’s city commission meeting.
WWMT is reporting that city officials and community members have been discussing this issue ever since homes in the area tested positive for lead in August.
However, Mayor Tom Lowry said it’s not so much a local issue but more so a nationwide issue.
Lowry said every house 57 years or older probably has a lead line used to connect the house to a natural water pipe. Water as it comes out of the system is fine, it’s where it goes in the houses that have the lead, he said.
Lowry urged community members to take issue with state representatives.
The city recently increased water and sewage rates. Resident Gina Foster said she has had to spend $600 a month on bottled water because she cannot use the city’s water.
After water in Three Rivers was found to be above Michigan’s action level, the city is required by law to replace 5 percent of its total lead service lines each year, or 100 percent replacement in 20 years.
Once again one of the most mismanaged cities in Michigan says let someone else pay for it. You have known about the poor condition of the infrastructure and chose stop gap solutions. Maybe free up some of the DDA money to support the citizens and not the businesses. Maybe quit building more recreation areas that need money constantly. Maybe stop electing the same guy who has done this for the last 20+ years. Maybe hire a real city manager rather than perpetuating an ethically challenged one. It will not get better until you clean house.