As previously reported, the City of Morenci's Water Treatment Plant has been bypassing its iron removal filtration system to replace the filter media in the four filtration tanks. This project, supported by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and funded through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), aims to significantly reduce iron levels in our water supply.
We are pleased to announce that all necessary repairs to the iron filtration tanks have been completed, and the installation of new filter media in all four tanks is finished. Each tank was sanitized and backflushed while offline in accordance with EGLE requirements. Water samples were then collected and tested, and all samples met EGLE’s rigorous safety standards. After reviewing the data, EGLE authorized the reactivation of all four tanks on October 11, 2024.
Thanks to these upgrades, the iron content in the water supply has been reduced by 84% compared to previous levels. The new iron filtration system is now conditioned to last for many years. Over the next few weeks, residents should notice a gradual improvement in water clarity as the iron-filtered water replaces the existing supply in the water towers and supply lines. Although the project took longer than anticipated due to the condition of the tanks, the improvements will provide long-lasting benefits to residents for many decades.
The City of Morenci remains committed to ensuring the safety and quality of our water. Daily testing continues, with results reported in real-time to EGLE.
For more information or questions, please contact the City of Morenci at (517) 458-6828.