Environment

Private well water quality unregulated after installation

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By LAURA BOHANNON
Capital News Service
LANSING — Even though Michigan has the most private wells in the nation, no state regulations control how often that water should be tested. A quarter of Michigan’s residents rely on well water, according to Michigan’s 21st Century Infrastructure Committee’s most recent report. But the state has set no standard for monitoring the quality of water from private wells, Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) source water unit supervisor Matt Gamble said. “Private wells get tested when they’re installed and they may never be sampled again,” Gamble said. “There is no requirement — at least no statewide requirement — for a homeowner to have their well sampled on any schedule.”
Gamble said the DEQ frequently learns of contaminated well water.

Energy

Lower peak use could mean lower energy bills

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By CAITLIN DeLUCA
Capital News Service
LANSING — Energy experts want to lower demand for electricity at peak times to help customers stay green and save money. Reducing peak demand is called peak shaving, said Sarah Mullkoff, the energy program director for the Michigan Environmental Council. “An average citizen should be interested in any and all ways to reduce electricity demand and help save money by not investing ratepayer dollars in unnecessary base load power plants,” Mullkoff said. These base load plants are power plants that aren’t fully used during most of the year, costing taxpayers more money. If enough energy can be saved, it can eliminate the need for these plants’ unused capacity, she said.