Battle Creek: quarterly tests show TTHM exceedances; violation remains in effect

Mayor Mark Behnke said the City of Battle Creek’s latest quarterly water testing found total trihalomethanes (TTHM) still exceeding federal standards at sampling sites in Battle Creek, Emmett Township and Pennfield Township. The mayor said the drinking-water violation remains in effect but emphasized this is not an emergency and residents may continue using their water as usual.

Behnke said affected neighbors received letters by mail with details about the latest results and the city’s ongoing efforts to reduce TTHM levels. He directed residents to the city website, battlecreekmi.gov, for more information and for posted notices about the issue.

The mayor did not provide specific sample concentrations, timelines for meeting the federal standard, or a remediation schedule during the announcement. He characterized the announcement as an update on testing and outreach rather than an immediate public-health alert. The city did not announce any formal actions, emergency restrictions, or new funding for remediation during the report.

The mayor’s comments were part of a broader mayor’s report that included items on holiday schedules, community programs and other city services. The city’s public notices and the mailed letters are the primary sources residents should consult for details on affected addresses and recommended next steps.