June 7, 2006

Residents in portions of Mills Township, Midland County, will soon see improved drinking water at their homes thanks to an agreement to extend water from the city of Midland. Approximately 14 miles of water main will be constructed in Mills Township, along with over 6 miles of main in neighboring Larkin Township. The project will eliminate many hauled drinking water systems and shallow wells with highly mineralized water and high iron levels.

The township, with the assistance of the Midland County Economic Development Council and Department of Environmental Quality, has pursued several construction and funding options for developing a community water system that will eventually secure a combination grant/loan funding package through the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Office.

“This project is an example of what can be achieved through partnership efforts,” said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. “Mills Township is making an investment that will protect the health of its residents and the future of the community.”

The project will provide a higher quality source of drinking water for Mills residents, and will increase fire protection in the community with the installation of fire hydrants. Construction began May 8, and is scheduled for completion in October.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised June 7, 2006 by Pat Watson