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As required by state law, the City of Houghton has released its water system Consumer Confidence Report. It referenced a 2003 assessment about the susceptibility of the three wells that pull from an aquifer below the Portage Canal. They’re located near the golf course and US-41. Due to the elevation changes, even underground sources are susceptible to contamination from events happening “up gradient.” As such, all three wells were rated as a moderately high risk for contamination.
In response, the utility has developed a Wellhead Protection Plan to help mitigate any potential problems. City Manager Eric Waara says there are some factors outside of Houghton’s control.
Immediately surrounding the wells are exclusion zones where no activity is allowed. Then there are additional rings out to 1,000 feet away and then a quarter mile. Waara says the plan changes how common events like car crashes are treated in the vicinity of the wells.
A link to the full report is here.
