KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI - A state of emergency has been declared by state of Michigan officials in response to high levels of PFAS discovered in the city of Parchment's municipal water source.

The governor's office announced Sunday, July 29, a state of emergency has been declared due to ongoing health and safety concerns tied to the discovery of per- and polyfluoroalkyl, or PFAS, compounds in the system serving residents of Parchment and some portions of Cooper Township.

"This declaration will allow the state to supply additional resources to help with response efforts and ensure the health and safety of residents in Parchment and Cooper Township," Lt. Gov. Brian Calley said.

Residents have already been advised to stop drinking the water after tests showed a level of 1,587 parts per trillion of PFAS in Parchment's water supply. That is more than 20 times higher than the EPA lifetime health advisory of 70 ppt.

Public health experts link exposure to the chemicals with increased risk for cancer, liver damage and other serious ailments.

A town hall meeting also been scheduled for Tuesday to discuss updates, the health impacts of PFAS and long-term solutions to protect the area's water supply from future contamination. The meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., July 31, at Haven Reformed Church, 5350 N. Sprinkle Road in Kalamazoo.

Stephanie Moore, chair of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners, declared a local state of emergency on Saturday, according to a news release issued by the county. Moore also submitted a request to the state asking for aid.

In declaring a state of emergency Sunday, Calley is acting as governor while Gov. Rick Snyder is out of state.

"State and local officials and members of the community have been working in full partnership to ensure people in the area have safe water in the short, medium and long term," Calley said.

Public Works crews from Kalamazoo are working to flush Parchment's water lines, which may stir up sediments and discolor the water, according to the release. Residents are being advised not to drink the water until further notice.

Residents in the northeast part of Kalamazoo may also see some water discoloration as a result of more water moving through the Kalamazoo system to Parchment. Kalamazoo residents may continue to use and drink water from their taps.

Officials said that controls are in place to prevent Parchment water from flowing into the Kalamazoo system.

Water distribution will continue at Parchment High School but the distribution schedule has changed. Starting Monday, distribution will begin at noon and end at 8 p.m. Residents also will be asked to verify their address upon pickup.

PFAS compounds represent an emerging public health threat contaminating water supplies across the Michigan. More than 20 communities across the state have identified contamination sites. That list is expected to grow.

Parchment, known as "The Paper City," was built around a paper mill along the Kalamazoo River in the early 20th century. Just north of the city of Kalamazoo, it's a town of about 1,800 people. Officials estimate it's water system, which is separate from Kalamazoo's and fed by three groundwater wells located along North 20th Street in Cooper Township, serves about 3,100 residents.

Results from tests of those three wells are expected Monday and will inform the next steps for local and state officials. Private wells within a one-mile radius of Parchment's well field are also being tested.

For more information, residents are directed by local officials to call a drinking water hotline set up at (269) 373-5346. Those unable to get to the bottled water distribution point are also encouraged to call the hotline.

The following map shows, outlined in blue, the extent of the city of Parchment's water system, which reaches into a small portion of southern Cooper Township. The area outlined in green is Parchment's city boundaries.