Grayling water supply on tap

GRAYLING – A new municipal water line will soon provide hundreds of Grayling-area homes with clean, PFAS-free drinking water.

Nearly 400 households near the Grayling Army Airfield will have the option to connect to a water main supplying safe water from Kirtland Community College. The $118 million project, funded by the state and the Department of Defense (DoD), aims to address PFAS contamination primarily linked to Camp Grayling.

So far, the state has allocated $53 million, with the DoD contributing $25 million. The National Guard Bureau is seeking an additional $25 million pending congressional approval. Grayling Township has also invested $100,000 in feasibility studies.

There will be no hookup costs for residents who choose to connect and abandon their private wells. Homes can connect regardless of PFAS test results, and while connection is optional, officials emphasize the benefits of a reliable municipal water source.

While residents will pay a water bill, municipal water is considered more cost-effective and requires less maintenance than private filtration systems. Public authorities will also conduct regular testing and treatment for PFAS and other contaminants.

NOTICE TO RESIDENTS IN AREA 1 (CLOUGH SUBDIVISION) & AREA 2 (SHERWOOD FOREST)

Decision deadline: June 2, 2025

Residents must decide by this date whether to connect to the new municipal water system. Deadlines for Areas 3, 4, 5, and 6 are pending.

Why Is the Municipal Water System Being Installed?

PFAS contamination from firefighting foam used at Camp Grayling has polluted groundwater in Grayling Township. PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” pose health risks, including:

• High blood pressure, high cholesterol, thyroid disease

• Potential developmental effects in infants and children

• Reduced fertility, liver damage, increased cancer risk.

Many private wells in the township are contaminated. Municipal water offers a safe alternative, with regular testing to meet state and federal standards.

Who Is Paying for the Municipal Water System?

Over $75 million in funding from the State of Michigan ($50M+) and the Department of Defense ($25M) is covering:

• Water system infrastructure

• Road repaving from waterline construction

• All costs for connecting homes in Areas 1 & 2, including well decommissioning

Additional funding is requested for Areas 3 & 4.

How Will the System Work?

The water source will be Beaver Creek Twp./Grayling Twp. Utility Authority (BCGTUA) wells, which currently serve Kirtland Community College and the industrial park.

Cost of Municipal Water

BCGTUA residential rates:

• Flat fee: $45/month (includes 3,000 gallons)

• Additional use: $9.50 per 1,000 gallons

Potential Savings:

• Electricity: No need for a well pump (savings ~$252/year)

• Well maintenance: Avoid pump replacement (~$1,000+)

• Insurance: Fire hydrants may lower premiums (~$120/year)

What Happens If You Don’t Connect?

Health Risks: PFAS exposure has long-term effects.

Property Value: Contaminated wells must be disclosed when selling a home.

New Costs: The State, DoD, and Health Department will stop covering:

• Well testing (~$500/year)

• Water filters and maintenance (~$725–$1,426/year)

• Well replacement (~$10,500–$12,500 if needed)

Connecting Later Will Be Expensive

If you don’t connect now, you’ll have to pay for:

• Water hookup: $4,000–$12,000

• Well decommissioning: $200–$300

• Total estimated cost later: $4,200–$12,300

Why Must Private Wells Be Decommissioned?

State law requires wells to be properly sealed

• Taste: BCGTUA water is disinfected with chlorine but contains no added fluoride. You can sample the water at Kirtland Community College.

• Need help with costs? Financial assistance may be available through organizations like MDHHS, Salvation Army, and St. Vincent de Paul.

Grayling Township Supervisor Lacey Stephan; 2090 Viking Way, P.O. Box 521, Grayling, MI 49738; Phone: 989-348-4361; Email: [email protected]

Decisions for Area 5 (Karen Woods) will be announced later.