MICHIGAMME, MI-- Van Riper State Park is offering campers another source of potable water, after testing of the park’s drinking water revealed slightly elevated levels of arsenic.
The Marquette County Health Department informed staff that the arsenic concentration at the facility was 14 parts per billion – 4 parts above the federal standard. The Department of Natural Resources says it’s planning a water system improvement project in September. Until then, a truck will provide drinking water to campers.
Because of the inconvenience, campers who would like to cancel their reservations may do so without penalty. Right now, reservations are being charged at the semi-modern rate.
Officials say there are several potential sources of arsenic in drinking water, including the erosion of natural deposits.
