GREENLAND TOWNSHIP, MI— The Department of Natural Resources has been ordered to shut off an unregulated water source in Ontonagon County.
The spigot in Greenland Township has been used by residents for drinking and other uses for decades. It’s found at the former site of Lake Mine, an old mining community in the township.
DNR officials say it’s a very old and unregulated water system that hasn’t been tested for all the required parameters. It appears to contain nearly a mile of water line beneath an old railroad grade with piping that is in questionable condition.
Officials are trying to identify the source of the water. Investigation points to a mining borehole that created a spring, which was tapped. Because the source cannot be located, the water cannot be considered suitable for drinking. The DNR is working with state and local officials to address concerns at the site.
The order was issued to the DNR in December by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
“The DNR needs to cease and desist serving water to the public by use of the trailside flowing water outlet by Feb. 6, 2023, and to provide written notice within 30 days to any residential structures served by the non-potable water supply that water service will be discontinued on or before June 30, 2023,” the order states.
The order also requires the DNR to permanently abandon the well and water system by plugging the existing well and/or plugging and discontinuing use of the existing water supply piping infrastructure by no later than June 30, 2023.
