What are PFAS?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a large group of synthetic, human-made chemicals used in industry and consumer products. Also known as "forever chemicals," PFAS are chemicals that can stay in the environment for a very long time and may take a long time to break down. Some types of PFAS do not break down easily at all due to their strong carbon-fluorine bond. They also take a long time to exit the human body. This means some PFAS might still be in your body from past exposures.
In recent years, experts have become increasingly concerned by the potential effects of high concentrations of PFAS on human health. HDNW works collaboratively with multiple agencies like the Michigan Department of Energy, Great Lakes, and Environment (EGLE), the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and local counties and townships to ensure residents are informed and filters are distributed when necessary.
Almost everyone in the U.S. has been exposed to PFAS. Common sources include drinking water, food, cookware, food packaging, clothing, and foam found in water. PFAS exposure has been linked to several health effects, including thyroid disease, reduced fertility, and many more.
How To Reduce Your Exposure to PFAS?
You can reduce PFAS exposure by testing your drinking water through Michigan's Residential Water Testing Program, using PFAS-reducing water filters, following Eat Safe Fish Guides, and learning which consumer products that may contain PFAS to limit exposure.
Wickes Manufacturing TCE Plume in
Antrim County
Trichloroethylene (TCE) contamination in the Mancelona area dates back to Wickes Manufacturing operations in the 1940s and 1950s. Wickes used TCE as a degreasing solvent and disposed of TCE in shallow pits onsite. Over time, the TCE contamination has migrated northwest through the area. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified TCE as a human carcinogen.
This TCE plume is the largest TCE plume in Michigan, and one of the largest in the United States.
Contamination of private residential wells has occurred in the area from Mancelona to Shanty Creek. State of Michigan grant funding has supported efforts to test private wells, install monitoring wells, study groundwater movement, and provide bottled water to residents affected by the contamination.
HDNW continues to monitor the movement of the TCE plume and regularly provides updates to the public and county officials.
Floods and Natural Disasters
Floods, blizzards, ice storms, thunderstorms, and tornadoes are just a few of the natural disasters we face in Northern Michigan. These events can occur at any time and leave many residents vulnerable, especially those at higher risk. This includes adults over 65, children, and people with existing health conditions.
How to be Prepared for Natural Disasters?
Prepare an emergency kit with water, food, flashlights, batteries, medicine, and a first-aid kit. Create a family emergency plan so everyone knows where to go and how to contact each other. Know the safest evacuation routes in case leaving home becomes necessary. If a generator is used during a power outage, follow all safety protocols to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
What to do after a Natural Disaster?
Hurricanes and floods can contaminate drinking water sources, so if your property has been flooded, have your water tested before using it. Wildfires can also affect air quality, so follow local health and safety recommendations. Assess your property for damage, including septic fields, broken or fallen trees, and downed power lines. Contact a qualified professional or your utility company as needed to address any damage or hazardous conditions.
Lead
Lead is a metal that can be found in many places, including chips of old paint, household dust, imported toys, and, less commonly, water contaminated by lead pipes. If your home was built before 1978, you notice deteriorating paint, or you have young children in the home, you should test your home for lead.
Additional Resources
- Introduction to PFAS
- PFAS in Consumer Products
- PFAS & Sampling Your Private Residential Drinking Water Well
- Michigan PFAS Investigations
- Wickes Manufacturing TCE Plume Fact Sheet
- Wickes TCE Plume Meeting Flyer 2026
- Wickes TCE Plume Web Mapping
- Trichloroethylene ToxFAQs
- Learn About Lead
- Lead Poisoning Prevention Fund
- Lead Services for Health and Home
- Blood Lead Testing
- Preparing for and Responding to Natural Disasters