Public forum to address water testing for lead

The city of Birmingham is hosting a public forum to educate residents on the new state rules for lead testing of tap water at Seaholm High School on Thursday, November 14, from 6-9 p.m. All Birmingham water customers should also receive a notice, which is currently being mailed out. The notice provides information to help residents understand the more stringent testing procedures being mandated in the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act. It also contains information on resources from the state of Michigan, Oakland County and the city. Recently, stricter and more precise requirements have been put in place for lead, copper and other contaminants in water. The water forum will include presentations along with providing insight on the change in regulations as well as provide an opportunity for the public to have questions answered. The forum will feature representatives from the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), the state Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), the South Oakland County Water Authority (SOCWA), the Oakland County Health Division and city representatives. “This is a great opportunity for anyone with questions about their water to learn from experts across the state and region. We are fortunate to have such a knowledgeable panel to share information and answer questions,” said city manager Joe Valentine. “We want everyone to be informed appropriately and not concerned unnecessarily.”