Free water testing begins June 3 to monitor annual Caseville discoloration event before it worsens.

Effort Underway to Address Water Discoloration in Caseville, Michigan

CASEVILLE, Mich. — A joint effort between state and local agencies will bring free water testing directly to residents’ homes beginning June 3, 2025, as officials work to investigate recurring drinking water discoloration in the Caseville area. The initiative, led by the City of Caseville Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), focuses on proactive water sampling in Caseville before the annual summer discoloration event begins.

Teams from the DPW and MDHHS, along with the Huron County Health Department, will knock on doors in Caseville, Caseville Township, and the Village of Pigeon to request water samples from indoor faucets. The collected samples will help assess baseline water quality conditions and identify potential concerns in the municipal system.

Water Sampling in Caseville Begins at Resident Faucets

Starting June 3, field teams will collect drinking water samples from kitchen or bathroom faucets that are regularly used. This water sampling in Caseville is entirely voluntary and free of charge. Residents must be home and provide consent before any sample is taken.

All MDHHS personnel will be in state-issued vehicles, display government identification, and wear agency-branded uniforms. DPW staff will accompany sampling teams during each home visit.

“Participation from residents is critical to getting an accurate look at the system’s condition before summer,” said Troy Hartz, Supervisor of the Caseville DPW.

Annual Water Discoloration Sparks Proactive Testing Effort

Each year, Caseville’s municipal water system experiences discolored water during the warmer months. While not described as a health threat, the discoloration prompts concern among residents and increases demand on the city’s water services.

The goal of the water sampling in Caseville is to gather data before the discoloration appears. The MDHHS effort is being conducted in coordination with a broader, separate engineering study and monitoring program led by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

No Appointment Necessary for Water Sampling Visits

Residents do not need to schedule a sampling appointment. Instead, MDHHS and DPW teams will go door-to-door in targeted areas. Residents are encouraged to verify official identification and ask questions during visits. The teams will only enter homes with permission, and at least one adult must be present during the visit.

The project is part of a statewide effort to ensure public confidence in municipal water systems, particularly in smaller communities that face recurring seasonal issues.

For further questions about the sampling process, residents can contact MDHHS at 800-648-6942.

Caseville Drinking Water Testing Starts June 3

Sampling teams will begin collecting water from kitchen and bathroom faucets that are used daily. At least one adult must be home to allow entry and approve access to indoor faucets. All MDHHS staff will be identifiable by state-issued vehicles, official ID badges, and branded uniforms. Staff from the Caseville DPW will accompany MDHHS teams.

The state is advising residents that this effort is proactive, not a response to any emergency contamination.

“This water testing will help us understand how our system is performing before the discoloration happens,” said Troy Hartz, DPW Supervisor for the City of Caseville.

Annual Discoloration Prompts Public Health Action

According to the press release, discoloration in Caseville’s water system is a recurring issue each summer. The causes of the discoloration have not been explicitly stated, but similar seasonal events in small water systems are often linked to changes in temperature, water chemistry, or flushing of lines.

The goal of the testing, officials say, is to assess water quality prior to the summer months—when discoloration typically peaks. The sampling program will be conducted in parallel to a separate engineering study managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

How Caseville Residents Can Participate

Caseville area residents do not need to schedule a visit in advance. Teams will knock on doors and request sampling access. If residents are unsure about the identity of the person at the door, they are encouraged to ask for MDHHS-issued identification and confirm vehicle markings. No payment or paperwork is required from residents.

Those with questions can call MDHHS at 800-648-6942.

Additional Investigations Underway with State and Federal Oversight

The MDHHS testing initiative is entirely separate from the longer-term engineering and environmental review being conducted by EGLE and the EPA. That review focuses on infrastructure and system-wide diagnostics, while the sampling set to begin in June is about real-time monitoring at the tap.

No health warnings have been issued related to the discoloration to date, and the testing is described as a preventative measure, not a reaction to contamination.

Find More Interesting Feature Stories From ThumbWind

Michigan Feature Stories – Unveiling the diverse and vibrant people, captivating places, and remarkable events that come together to make the Great Lake State unique and cherished by both residents and visitors alike.
Weird Political News – A sarcastic take on official news from around the U.S., exploring the absurdities that often arise in the political landscape while providing a humorous perspective on current events and highlighting the quirks of politicians and policies.
Michigan News – News and events from Michigan’s Upper Thumb region worth knowing, including local stories, impactful interviews, and updates on community happenings that shape the culture and lifestyle of the area.

Your Turn – Like This, or Loath it – We Want To Hear From You

Please offer an insightful and thoughtful comment. We review each response. Follow us to have other feature stories fill up your email box, or check us out at ThumbWind News.