KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo County officials say based on the information collected to date, water quality issues at the county jail appear to be related to corrosion within portions of the jail’s internal plumbing system rather than the municipal water supply itself.
Jail inmates have been complaining about the water at the jail for months, saying it causes itching and rashes, despite the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services saying the water remains safe for handwashing, showering, and food preparation, consistent with public health guidance. They do say water from the facility should not be consumed. Bottled drinking water remains in place while the investigation continues.
The county says the March and April water testing identified varying levels of lead and copper throughout the facility, however all kitchen sinks tested negative for lead.
“Although some results showed improvement following flushing and additional response efforts, elevated copper levels were still identified in portions of the facility, and the investigation remains ongoing” according to a news release on the county website.
They say another round of testing will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of recently installed filtration measures, with results expected in late May or early June, and the county will be “evaluating both short-term mitigation efforts and long-term infrastructure options.”
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