City of Grand Rapids Water System

09/01/2026

September is National Preparedness Month. Check out City of Grand Rapids Office of Emergency Management to sign up for emergency alerts and make a plan at https://www.ready.gov/plan

08/27/2026

Happy World Lake Day!
Today we celebrate Lake Michigan, the source of our drinking water and one of the greatest natural treasures of our state. On World Lake Day—and every day— Michiganders are encouraged to spend time near the water, appreciate the beauty, and take simple steps to protect these vital resources.
Every action matters. Whether it’s picking up litter, joining a community cleanup, or supporting organizations dedicated to research and stewardship—your involvement makes a difference.
Let’s take a moment to reflect, connect, and care for Lake Michigan. More information here: https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/office-of-the-great-lakes/stewardship

08/19/2026

Why are we celebrating backflow prevention this week?

At the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, faulty plumbing in two hotels let sewage contaminate drinking water—causing illness or death for over a thousand people.

This outbreak showed how dangerous cross‑connections can be. Backflow preventers protect our water by stopping contaminated water from flowing into clean lines. They’re a simple device that prevents tragedies like this one.

08/16/2026

It's National Backflow Prevention Day! What exactly are we celebrating?

We celebrate the importance of protecting our clean water supply. Backflow prevention is essential to keeping our water safe from contamination. A backflow preventer is a device that stops water from flowing backward into the main water supply, preventing harmful contaminants from entering our drinking water.

Shout out to all the plumbers, inspectors, and water safety professionals who work to keep our water safe and clean!

08/14/2026

08/11/2026

Water covers over 70% of Earth, yet only 1% of our freshwater is easily accessible. That tiny amount supports communities and ecosystems worldwide—including right here at home, where Lake Michigan provides our drinking water.

This National Water Quality Month, help protect our most precious resource: use water wisely, reduce chemical use, and dispose of waste responsibly. Every small action helps keep Lake Michigan clean and our water supply safe.

08/06/2026

It’s National Water Quality Month—a perfect time to learn more about the water we rely on every day. Here in Grand Rapids, we’re fortunate to receive our drinking water from Lake Michigan, one of our region’s most important natural resources.

The City of Grand Rapids regularly tests and reports on our drinking water to ensure it meets strict safety standards.

Explore the latest Water Quality Results here: https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/departments/water-system/water-quality/

08/03/2026

August is National Water Quality Month! This month reminds us how important clean water is for people, wildlife, and the ecosystems we all depend on. Small daily choices can make a big difference.
Take action this month: choose one water-friendly habit—like reducing fertilizer use, picking up litter, or safely disposing of household chemicals—to help protect our lakes and rivers.