Residents urge clearer written notification and more frequent updates on Battle Creek water contamination

Several residents used the Oct. 7 public-comment period to urge the City of Battle Creek to improve written notification and ongoing updates about recent water contamination matters.

Charlene Van Lewven, who identified herself as a Battle Creek resident, told the commission she has chronic kidney disease and that her physician warned that “these chemicals can contribute to my health.” She said she did not see timely updates on the city website and that many residents do not use Facebook, asking the city to send written notices and to press third-party billing companies and landlords to pass information to tenants.

Other speakers echoed requests for a public, detailed report from city water authorities. Joe Harris said his physician “has told me not to drink it because of my heart issues” and asked that the water department provide a public, detailed briefing on how the issue developed and what steps are being taken. John Kennethick said earlier notifications were not received by many residents and urged the city to do better at reaching people who do not pay water bills directly.

Commissioners acknowledged the concerns. Commissioner Lacoste noted Perry Hart from the water department has attended neighborhood meetings and suggested bringing a water-department representative to a future commission meeting to provide information. The transcript does not record a formal vote, directive to staff with a deadline, or a public-health advisory issued at this meeting; participants asked for written and wider outreach rather than verbal statements alone.