All Newberry Water & Light customers will receive a letter in their next bill regarding the potential for lead in their home water supply. The letter is useful for any households that have a running water connection, whether that be a private well or public water source. All Michigan residents on municipal water supplies will have received a similar letter by the end of this month. Newberry Village Manager Allison Watkins said the letter is required by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) in the wake of the Flint water crisis and is not reflective of lead in Newberry’s water.
“Our last residential lead testing, completed in 2023, tested 17 sites – more than the required 10 sites – and zero lead was detected in the homes that participated; including several that the Village knows have a lead exposed service line.” Watkins said. “The letter you will receive is a mandated precaution, and it does NOT mean there is any lead in your drinking water.”
Village lead testing is completed and certified by EGLE. If you wish to have your drinking water tested for lead, call the Village to request to participate in the 2026 lead testing or to find a certified lab to work directly with go Michigan.gov/EGLElab and click on “Certifications”.
If you are concerned about your child having lead levels in their blood a family doctor or pediatrician can perform a blood test for lead and provide information about the health effects of lead. State, city, or county departments of health can also provide information about how you can have your child’s blood tested for lead.
Please contact Allison Watkins, Village Manager at awatkins@newberrymi.gov or 906-291-1622 if you have questions regarding the information in the letter or about the water system. For information about being added to the 2026 lead testing list, please contact the Utility Clerk at 906-293-5681.
