Many of my friends staying in Ann Arbor this summer have asked me the same question about the Huron’s water quality. Unable to answer this question confidently, I decided to dig a little deeper into this topic.
Many Ann Arbor locals and U-M students looking to escape the summer heat may turn to the Huron River, the largest water source that runs through the city as the solution. However, there’s the question of PFAS or other contaminants in the water that may make one hesitate before taking a splash.
Background
The Huron River that we see here in Ann Arbor is actually part of a much larger watershed. A watershed is an area of land where all the excess water flows into the same body of water, such as a stream, river, or lake. The Huron River Watershed is quite large, covering over 900 square miles and seven counties across southeast Michigan before flowing into Lake Erie.
The health of this watershed is critical as it serves as a drinking water source for many Michigan cities, including here in Ann Arbor, protects wildlife biodiversity and habitats, and prevents flooding.
Threats and Contaminants
You may have heard of PFAS or other contaminants in the Huron River, but may wonder what’s caused this or how serious of a threat it is.
There have been PFAS identified in the Huron River and various water sources across Michigan. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don’t break down and can accumulate in human and animal tissue. PFAS are found in industrial processes and many household items, so common sources include landfills and manufacturing sites worldwide. While research is still being conducted on the specific health impacts caused by PFAS, some studies have shown potential risks.
Another common health concern in the Huron River is the levels of bacterial contamination. This refers to the presence and concentration of pathogens, viruses, and other organisms that can make people sick if ingested or entered into open wounds. The most common source of contamination in the Huron is feces. This can come from pet or livestock droppings, sewer overflows, or other damage to septic systems. But at what point does it become a risk to swim in the river?
Is it Safe to Swim?
Yes, according to the Huron River Watershed Council, the river is generally safe to swim in with some caution! In general, the main stem of the Huron River (including where it runs through Ann Arbor) meets the standards set by Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for healthy levels of bacteria and PFAS for both partial and full body recreational activities, including swimming.
However, for some smaller tributaries across the Huron Watershed, bacterial levels are more prone to fluctuations. Especially in areas including: Woodruff, North Honey, Mill, Honey, Traver, Millers, Swift Run, Silver and Smith Creeks, bacterial levels tend to be higher and swimming is not encouraged.
Tips for Increased Safety
If you choose to swim in the main stem of the Huron River or take a dip after soaking up the sun at the docks, there are some additional guidelines that you should follow to support your health and safety.
- It’s best to stay out of the river 24-48 hours after a large rainstorm event to avoid increased bacterial levels. This is because bacteria and other contaminants that have accumulated in the surrounding ground area are flushed into the water by heavy rains.
- Do your best to avoid ingesting any water, and after any contact, it’s best to rinse off afterward as soon as you can.
- For fishers, it is generally not recommended to eat your catch as PFAS accumulates in animal tissue. You can also learn more about specific stretches of the river or how levels vary across fish species.
- While in the water for any type of recreational activity, it’s also best to steer clear of any contact with foam you may see. This is because PFAS accumulates in higher concentrations in this foam. The image below is an example of what PFAS foam looks like:
Doing Your Part
Now that you know how to safely swim in the Huron River, there are many ways you can help to ensure its clean future for recreation and as a drinking water source! Because land and water are so closely interconnected, what we do on land directly impacts the health and quality of our water.
- Since any chemicals we apply to the ground will end in runoff that enters our waterways. One way you can help keep the Huron river clean is reducing the amount of fertilizers and herbicides you apply to your lawn.
- It’s also critical to clean up after yourself and your pets. Any waste that doesn’t get properly discarded can get washed away into our waterways.
- Additionally, if you see a clogged storm drain or think that there might be a sewage leak, you can report that issue to Ann Arbor municipal authorities.
- Lastly, get involved in your local community! You can help preserve water quality and natural areas individually or with a work group through several local opportunities:
- Eco Workdays at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum
- Natural Areas Preservation – City of Ann Arbor
- Volunteer in the Parks – City of Ann Arbor
- Litter Clean-up Kits – Planet Blue Ambassador Program
- River Cleanups, Insect ID days, and chemistry and flow monitoring volunteer opportunities – Huron River Watershed Council
Julia works as an Education Intern in the PBA Program at UM-Ann Arbor.