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1. Why does my tap water leave spots on my glasses and sometimes limit the flow of water from my showerhead and faucets?

Several types of minerals can be found in tap water. Minerals containing calcium and magnesium are common in local groundwater supplies and are responsible for the white spots observed when tap water is allowed to dry on household surfaces. While these spots may be unwelcome, these naturally occurring minerals in your tap water provide a protective internal coating deemed optimum for controlling corrosion of your home’s water pipes and plumbing fixtures. The most common mineral deposits are lime, rust, and calcium.

Mineral deposits that are allowed to accumulate over time on household surfaces can become more problematic to remove. Routine household maintenance such as wiping water droplets from surfaces before evaporation occurs can help prevent mineral deposits.

2. Is my tap water hard, and is it safe to drink?

The level of hardness in tap water is determined by the amount of calcium and magnesium in the water, both of which are common minerals found in the City’s groundwater supply. Most City water customers receive water with moderate hardness. The City of Grand Ledge tests water 16 times each month to ensure the water is safe to drink.

While hard water can require additional cleaning steps, these naturally occurring minerals in your tap water provide protective internal coating deemed optimum for controlling corrosion of your home’s water pipes and plumbing fixtures.

3. What about iron in my drinking water?

Making up at least 5% of the earth’s crust, iron is one of the earth’s most plentiful resources. Rainwater as it infiltrates the soil and underlying geologic formations dissolves iron, causing it to seep into aquifers that serve as sources of groundwater for wells. Although present in drinking water, iron is seldom found at concentrations greater than 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L) or 10 parts per million. However, as little as 0.3 mg/L can cause water to turn a reddish brown color. Iron is not hazardous to health, but it is considered a secondary or aesthetic contaminant. Essential for good health, iron helps transport oxygen in the blood.

4. I've heard there is lead in the City's water. Is that true?

Lead has not been detected in the City’s source water. While lead has not been detected in the City’s source water, there have been instances where lead was detected through testing individual customer taps. The City has been testing an average of 20 sites at the highest risk for lead, as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), every one to three years since 1992. In all instances, these tests have been found in compliance with water quality standards, including lead levels that have not reached above the Federal Action Level of 15 parts per billion (ppb). 

Lead testing. For the latest water sampling results, please visit www.cityofgrandledge.com and select the “Water Quality Report” box on the homepage.

5. Where does the City test our water?

The City’s water system pulls ground water from four different wells that are 250 feet below ground. The water is tested before it travels into the public water towers and water main. For sampling data and additional information on the City’s water quality, view the most recent Water Quality Report or stop by City Hall, open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, for a printed copy.