The Battle Creek City Council meeting on July 19, 2025, highlighted significant updates regarding the city's drinking water quality and the launch of a new fiber optic network project.

The meeting began with a report on the city's drinking water, specifically concerning the levels of Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM). Recent quarterly testing from May indicates that TTHM levels in the water system have improved and no longer exceed the federal maximum containment level of 80 parts per billion. However, the running annual average (RAA) for TTHM remains above this limit due to earlier samples that showed elevated levels. The city will continue to face a drinking water standard violation until these older results are replaced by consistently lower readings.

City officials noted that several corrective actions are underway to address the TTHM issue. These include adjusting treatment processes to reduce TTHM formation, completing an annual hydrant flushing program to remove older water and sediment, increasing sampling at Verona Well Field, and conducting quarterly operational evaluations. Additionally, the city is replacing aging wells to improve long-term water quality. A letter detailing these efforts and the latest results has been sent to impacted water customers and is also available on the city’s website.

In another key development, MetroNet is set to launch a citywide fiber optic network project. As part of this initiative, a contractor named Vertical Dynamic is conducting a telecommunication survey of utility poles throughout Battle Creek. This survey involves taking detailed photos and measurements to assess the condition of each pole and determine the feasibility of installing additional communication lines. While most work will occur in public rights-of-way, crews will seek access to poles located in private areas by knocking on doors.

These updates reflect ongoing efforts by the city to enhance both water quality and communication infrastructure, aiming to improve the overall quality of life for residents in Battle Creek.