Well Water in Kalamazoo County, Michigan

Kalamazoo County · Population ~265,000 (county) · Aquifer: Glacial Drift / Marshall Sandstone

Hardness: 200-350 PPM — Hard to Very Hard

Kalamazoo County is ground zero for one of Michigan's most significant PFAS contamination events. In 2018, PFAS was discovered in the Parchment public water supply at levels far exceeding health advisories. The contamination extends beyond Parchment into surrounding areas, and private well owners in the county should be aware of both PFAS and naturally occurring contaminants.

The Parchment PFAS Crisis

In July 2018, PFAS was discovered in the Parchment public water supply at concentrations far exceeding Michigan's health advisory level. The state issued a do-not-drink advisory, and residents were provided bottled water while the community was connected to the City of Kalamazoo's water system.

The contamination was traced to industrial sources, including a former paper mill. But the PFAS didn't stay in Parchment — it migrated through the groundwater. Cooper Township and surrounding areas have also shown PFAS detections in private wells.

See our comprehensive PFAS guide for the full Michigan story.

PFAS Beyond Parchment

Michigan's PFAS Action Response Team has tested hundreds of private wells in the Kalamazoo area. While Parchment was the headline, PFAS contamination in groundwater doesn't respect municipal boundaries. If you're on a private well anywhere in Kalamazoo County, PFAS testing should be a priority.

The state has provided free PFAS testing for wells near known contamination sites. Check with the Kalamazoo County Health Department or Michigan EGLE to see if your property qualifies.

Natural Water Quality

Beyond PFAS, Kalamazoo County's glacial geology produces hard water (200-350 PPM typical) with naturally occurring arsenic in some areas. Agricultural activity in rural parts of the county can elevate nitrate levels, particularly near older septic systems or in areas with intensive farming.

What to Test For

PFAS first. If you're on a private well in Kalamazoo County and haven't tested for PFAS, that's the priority. Beyond PFAS, test annually for bacteria and nitrates. Test at least once for arsenic, hardness, iron, and a basic mineral panel.

See our testing guide for labs that offer PFAS testing — not all labs do.

Every well is different. Two wells on the same street can produce completely different water. The data on this page reflects documented conditions in the Kalamazoo County area, but the only way to know what's in your water is to test it.

Sources

  • Michigan EGLE — Parchment PFAS Investigation
  • Michigan PFAS Action Response Team — Kalamazoo County Data
  • Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services — Well Water Program
  • USGS — Glacial Aquifer Water Quality, Southwest Michigan