COVID19 Update
City of Ann Arbor water system staff are focused on continuing to deliver safe water to our customers for consumption and important daily hygiene. During this unprecedented public health crisis, critical services will continue such as drinking water, waste water, police, fire, emergency operations and waste and recycling pickup.
Is Ann Arbor's drinking water safe?
Yes. The City of Ann Arbor disinfects drinking water prior to delivery to customers. We utilize multiple steps in our treatment process that physically remove and chemically inactivate viruses and bacteria, including the virus that causes COVID-19. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that Americans continue to use and drink tap water as usual. The city continuously monitors and tests our water throughout the treatment process and distribution system to ensure its quality and safety.
Do I need to purchase bottled water?
No. The City of Ann Arbor will continue to deliver safe drinking water to your tap 24/7/365.
What can I do to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus?
Handwashing using tap water is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19. CDC and other health organizations recommend frequent handwashing for at least 20 seconds each time. Up-to-date information is available via the EPA.
Can the COVID-19 virus spread through drinking water systems?
The World Health Organization has indicated that the “presence of the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking-water supplies and based on current evidence the risk to water supplies is low."
2019 Water Quality ReportWe are pleased to share our annual water quality report. This report explains where your drinking water comes from, what is in it and how we keep it safe.
A2H2O: Quality Water Matters
The April issue of A2H2O: Quality Water Matters includes important information from Water Treatment Services Manager, Brian Steglitz, regarding the steps he and his staff are taking to address staffing and drinking water safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rest assured, our dedicated staff are working 24/7 to delivery water that is safe to drink and vital for good hygiene. View previous QWM issues.
Keeping Our Customers Informed: PFAS
Keeping Our Customers Informed: Dioxane
Guided Tours On Hold Until End of April
Due to the Covid-19 virus, WTP staff will not conduct tours at the Water Treatment Plant at least through the end of April. City water system staff will be focused on delivering safe and reliable water service to City of Ann Arbor customers and will resume providing tours when resources allow. We apologize for this temporary inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.
Annual Open House Cancelled
The annual Water Treatment Plant Open House scheduled on May 9, 2020 has been cancelled.
Fire Hydrant Flushing
The City of Ann Arbor conducts annual fire hydrant flushing beginning every spring and continuing on a weekly basis through the fall.
Hydrant flushing is part of the City's annual maintenance and done to remove minerals and sediment that accumulate in the water lines over the course of a year. This preventative maintenance also allows us to check and record water pressure to ensure the water system is functioning properly. On occasion, the water in your home or businesses may have an orange or rusty appearance. The water is safe to use and drink, but it can cause stains to laundry if the discoloration is not first cleared from the lines. If this occurs, products like “Rover" can help remove temporary laundry coloration. The water discoloration is being caused by iron sediment in the water main being disturbed by the hydrant flushing. If this occurs, please run your COLD water for several minutes and flush your toilet to clear your lines. Please do not run hot or warm water, as this forces the discolored water into the water heater, mixing it with clear stored water. If you do get rusty water in your hot water tank, it is necessary to drain the hot water tank per the manufacturer's instructions.
To view the areas currently
hydrant flushing, as well as those on the schedule to flush next, see the Hydrant-flushing map.
