Waterford DPW notifies customers of administrative reporting violation to state regulator; officials say water safety unaffected

Waterford Township's Department of Public Works informed the board at the March 10 meeting that staff missed an EGLE reporting deadline for the November 2024 water-quality reporting period and will mail a notice to customers with upcoming bills.

Justin Westlake, DPW director, told trustees that the department completed required sampling and testing on schedule but failed to submit the November report to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) by the 12/10/2024 deadline. Westlake described the incident as a clerical/administrative reporting violation, not a water-treatment failure, and said all test results were normal; he urged customers that there is no need for special precautions.

Westlake said the department has already taken corrective action, instituted additional checks to capture submission receipts, and will include the explanatory letter with the township's next quarterly water bills (billed every three months; the mailing was expected by June). He said no fine has been assessed and that the department will answer any resident questions about the incident.

The director and a foreman from the water treatment division attended the meeting to explain the error and respond to questions from trustees. Several trustees thanked DPW staff for bringing the issue forward proactively.

The statements reported here were made at the March 10 Board of Trustees meeting; the DPW director said the department will publish the notice to customers alongside the upcoming billing cycle.