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Adrian commissioners schedule public forum plans as residents press water‑quality concerns
Summary
Commissioners discussed revisiting a 2019 Tetra Tech study and holding a public town-hall with consultants from Eagle to address taste and odor complaints; residents urged more testing and transparency, with one Zoom commenter alleging microcystin detection and household expenses to avoid city water.
City officials and residents on June 8 focused substantial discussion on recurring water‑quality complaints and plans for public outreach.
A commissioner asked the commission to update and revisit a 2019 Tetra Tech report that looked at Lake Adrian, groundwater contributions and operational recommendations. Commissioners and staff discussed inviting Eagle (an external water‑quality consultant) to lead a public forum or town hall — the group discussed June 24 as a possible date — and debated venue choices and whether the meeting should be recorded and offered via Zoom to reach more residents.
Will (identified in the meeting as the staff member who shared the Tetra Tech material) and other water staff said the treatment plant was operating normally, that distribution mains and water age can affect taste and odor, and that specialized tests for certain taste/odor compounds are expensive and not performed in-house. Staff said about 85% of current supply was from wells, that recent equipment used to improve turnover would be tested under warranty, and that typical treatments include copper sulfate; staff said peroxide had produced worse odors in tests and was not recommended.
During public comment Jacob Cooper urged civility and thanked interim DDA director Kate Denu and staff member Michelle Dwey for their efforts. Zoom participant Mary Ulanitz said prior testing (she referenced Wayne State) showed microcystin DNA and that her household does not drink city water, saying, "I've spent thousands of dollars. We don't drink your water. We don't cook in your water." City staff acknowledged the concern, said they will coordinate with consultants for more sampling and public outreach, and encouraged residents to participate in the planned town hall.
Commissioners asked staff to set dates, consider accessible venues (Alliance Center, St. Mary's, or the high school), and ensure recording/Zoom capability so the public can review the presentation. Staff and consultants said updating the 2019 plan would take months and that the town hall would serve as a listening and information session rather than an immediate technical update of the entire plan.
The commission did not take formal action on the water study at the meeting but directed staff to coordinate with Eagle and return dates for a public forum.
