Chromium spill in the Huron River update
(Updated Aug. 12, 2022)
MDHHS lifts recommendation for no contact with Huron River water after reviewing data related to Tribar toxic chemical release. Amount of chromium released to the river not at levels for human health risk, but sampling will continue.
LANSING, Mich. – There is no need for people and pets to continue to avoid contact with Huron River water, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) determined after reviewing data collected following a chemical release in Oakland County.
MDHHS had issued a no-contact recommendation on Aug. 2 after hexavalent chromium was released into the Wixom Sewage Treatment Facility from Tribar Manufacturing in Wixom the weekend of July 29. The sewer feeds the Wixom wastewater treatment plant, which discharges to the Huron River system.
Data MDHHS received on Wednesday from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and reviewed by MDHHS found chromium levels in the river were below levels of concern for effects on human health. The data review found that:
The amount of hexavalent chromium released into the Huron River was much less than originally thought.
The release was predominantly trivalent chromium, not hexavalent chromium. Trivalent chromium is a micronutrient that is part of humans’ diet and is far less concerning from a health perspective.
Hexavalent chromium was not detected in the majority of the surface water samples. The detections in three samples were well below the level that could cause harm.
“MDHHS is lifting its no-contact recommendation for the Huron River based on testing results we have received over the past week,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “The collaboration between local and state officials illustrates the strong commitment our state has to the health and safety of Michigan families.”
Fall/winter registration opens Aug. 22
Save the date! Registration opens Monday, Aug. 22, 10 a.m. for the fall/winter classes and program in the Ann Arbor parks. This page, as well as the social media accounts for parks will be updated when the 2022 activity guide is posted. Bookmark this line to register visit the online system. Sign up for ice skating/hockey lessons, fall canoe and kayak trips, golf tourneys, indoor swim classes, senior health events and more!
COVID-19 status update
Masks are recommended indoors at all City of Ann Arbor facilities, regardless of vaccination status*. *Unless medically or otherwise exempt. Click here to learn more about the impact on programming and parks and recreation facilities due to COVID-19.
Buy Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation apparel
You can now buy t-shirts, tote bags and more online featuring designs from your favorite programs and facilities Check back often as we'll be adding new designs in the coming weeks. We're proud to partner with a local screen printer on this project.
Click here to shop!
There's so much to do in the Ann Arbor Parks
Park activities and amenities
The City of Ann Arbor is proud to offer many types of features in our parks. The vast majority have nature and play areas, picnic tables, and walking trails. Listed below are some other popular types of park features the city offers and in which parks they can be found. Private lessons on tennis courts are prohibited.
Basketball Courts Tennis Courts Softball Fields Soccer Fields
Skate park Swimming Pools Boat Launches
Ice Rinks Dog Parks Disc Golf Dirt Bike Course Petanque
Pickleball
Basketball courts:
Tennis courts:
Softball fields:
Skate park:
Swimming pools:
Boat launches:
Ice rinks:
Dog parks:
Disc golf:
Dirt bike course:
Petanque:
Pickleball:
Free residential sand/salt
During the winter, the city provides residents with up to five gallons of a sand/salt mixture, per visit, at various locations around Ann Arbor to help treat sidewalks. Residents need to bring their own shovel and bucket as well as load material themselves from the marked piles. Sand/salt mixture is not for contractors or landscapers. Material will be available as of Monday, Nov. 29, 2021.
Locations for pick-up include:
- Veterans Memorial Park
- Gallup Park
- Allmendinger Park
- 721 North Main Street
- Buhr Park
- Burns Park
- Leslie Park
Pick up map to specific sand/salt locations (PDF)
Can people bathe and swim in water containing PFAS?The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services MDHHS has issued a “Do Not Eat Fish” advisory for the Huron River and advises people and their pets to avoid foam on the Huron River. Foam can have much higher amounts of PFAS than the water, and swallowing foam with PFAS could be a health risk. Swimming or bathing in water containing PFAS is not a health concern because the amount of PFAS is typically low compared to the foam. Although swallowing PFAS is the main way to get it in your body, an accidental swallow of river or lake water is not a health concern. Although, current science indicates PFAS does not move easily through the skin, it’s best to rinse off foam, including family pets, after contact and bathe or shower after the day’s outdoor activities. None of this information changes recommendations for people’s water used at home. The City of Ann Arbor is exploring the installation of hand-rinsing stations in close proximity to the city’s canoe liveries this summer. These will be in addition to hand-washing facilities available in public restrooms at the liveries.
Visit the PFAS webpage for additional information.
Lyme disease transmission confirmed
Learn more about ticks, Lyme disease, and prevention by visiting the Washtenaw County Health Department.
