Wildfire Smoke and Your Private Drinking Water Supply in Grand Rapids, MI

Private wells and rainwater collection systems are common in rural areas around Grand Rapids and across West Michigan. During late summer and fall, smoke from Michigan or Canadian wildfires can drift into the Grand Rapids area, and in rare cases, local brush or structure fires can threaten your property. These events can affect the safety and taste of your private drinking water.

This guide explains how Grand Rapids–area residents can protect and manage private drinking water supplies (wells and rainwater tanks) before, during, and after wildfire smoke or nearby fires.

Know Your Private Drinking Water System

Talk with your family so more than one person understands how your private water system works and what to do in an emergency.

Understand Where Your Water Comes From

In the Grand Rapids region, private drinking water usually comes from:

  • Groundwater (private wells) – common in rural Kent County and surrounding townships
  • Rainwater tanks or cisterns – sometimes used for household or cabin water supplies
  • Surface water (ponds, streams) – occasionally used, but higher risk and usually needs treatment

Make sure your family knows:

  • The location of your well, pump, or rainwater tank
  • How to turn off pumps or disconnect downpipes to protect water during a fire or heavy smoke event
  • Who to call for help (well contractor, tank cleaner, Kent County Health Department)

If you use a rainwater tank, ensure it is properly sealed and that tank covers are securely fitted to keep out ash, debris, and small animals.

Protecting Rainwater Tanks from Ash and Fire Chemicals

Wildfire smoke, ash, and firefighting chemicals (like fire retardants or water from aerial water-bombing) can contaminate roof catchments and tanks. Even if fires are not in Kent County, drifting smoke and ash from northern Michigan or Canadian wildfires can still affect roof-collected rainwater.

Install Protective Devices

For homes around Grand Rapids that collect rainwater:

  • First flush diverters – divert the initial dirty runoff from the roof away from the tank
  • Leaf stoppers on downpipes – reduce leaves and larger debris
  • Gutter guards – keep gutters clearer of leaves, twigs, and animal droppings

These devices help reduce contamination from ash, debris, and soot that may accumulate during wildfire smoke events.

Disconnect Downpipes When There Is a Fire Risk

If there is a wildfire, brush fire, or heavy smoke in the Grand Rapids area (or wind is blowing smoke/ash toward your home):

  1. Disconnect the downpipes from your rainwater tank as soon as there is a fire or heavy smoke risk.
  2. This helps prevent:
    • Windblown ash and debris
    • Fire retardants or firefighting water
    • Contaminated rainwater from entering your tank and polluting your drinking water.

Before Reconnecting Downpipes

Only reconnect your downpipes after:

  • You have hosed off the roof catchment area thoroughly, or
  • There has been a good flush of clean rain that washes ash and contaminants off the roof and away from the tank inlet.

Roof Cleaning Safety in West Michigan Weather

If you need to clean your roof manually after a smoke or fire event:

  • Be extremely careful to prevent slips and falls, especially in:
    • Wet conditions after rain
    • Icy or snowy conditions (common in Grand Rapids late fall through early spring)
  • Use a stable ladder, wear non-slip shoes, and avoid working alone.

Consider Professional Cleaning

This work can be done by a professional roof or tank cleaner.
You can find local services and advice through:

  • Kent County Health Department – Environmental Health Division
  • Your township or city office in the Grand Rapids metro area
  • Grand Rapids Public Health resources and local contractor listings

When Your Tank or Well Water May Be Contaminated

If you suspect your private water supply is contaminated after a wildfire, smoke event, or nearby structure fire, do not use it for drinking or cooking.

Warning Signs

Do not drink the water, use it for food preparation, brushing teeth, or give it to animals (pets or livestock) if:

  • It tastes unusual (chemical, smoky, or bitter)
  • It looks cloudy, discolored, or has visible ash or debris
  • It smells strange (smoky, chemical, or musty)

Your water may be affected by:

  • Fire retardants or firefighting foams used around your property
  • Water from aerial water-bombing or fire hoses
  • Ash and debris washed from your roof into the tank

Disconnect Downpipes Before Rain

If your area has been affected by smoke or ash:

  • Disconnect your downpipes before the next rain event
  • This helps prevent additional ash, soot, and debris from being washed into your rainwater tank.

Use Bottled Water for Drinking

If there is any doubt about the safety of your private water:

  • Use bottled water for:
    • Drinking
    • Preparing infant formula
    • Making ice
    • Cooking and washing food
    • Brushing teeth
    • Giving water to pets and livestock

Boiling Does Not Remove Chemicals

Boiling water:

  • Kills many microorganisms, but
  • Does not remove fire retardants, smoke-related chemicals, or other chemical contaminants

If your tank or well water is suspected to be affected by fire retardants or chemicals, do not rely on boiling to make it safe for drinking.

Contaminated tank water may still be suitable for:

  • Irrigation and gardening
  • Firefighting purposes
  • Some cleaning tasks (not involving food or skin contact, if strong chemicals are suspected)

Is Water Testing Necessary?

For most smoke and ash events, laboratory water testing is not always necessary, especially for rainwater tanks, if:

  • You choose to use bottled water for drinking, and
  • You clean and disinfect your tank before using it again for household drinking water.

However, for private wells in the Grand Rapids area:

  • After a nearby fire, flood, or chemical spill, contact:
    • Kent County Health Department – for guidance on well testing
    • A licensed well contractor in West Michigan

If your tank needs to be cleaned because of ash, debris, or dead animals, use a professional tank cleaner.

Tank Safety: Never Enter a Water Tank

Never enter a water tank. Tanks are confined spaces and extremely dangerous.

Risks include:

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Asphyxiation (lack of oxygen)
  • Toxic gas exposure
  • Death

Only professional tank cleaners with proper confined-space training and equipment should enter or work inside tanks.

After your tank has been:

  1. Professionally drained and cleaned, and
  2. Refilled with water from a known safe source (such as a regulated water delivery service or a tested well),

it can be returned to use as a drinking water source.

Smoke Taint and Taste Issues

Smoke can sometimes give rainwater a smoky or unusual taste, even if there are no dangerous chemicals.

  • Smoke taint alone is unlikely to be a health concern.
  • If you are uncomfortable with the taste or smell:
    • Use bottled water for drinking, and
    • Continue using your rainwater for other purposes (laundry, toilet flushing, gardening), as long as no chemicals or obvious contamination are suspected.

Handling Dead Animals in Your Water System

Wildlife and small animals may seek shelter in gutters, on roofs, or near tanks, especially during Michigan’s variable weather. After a fire or smoke event, you may find dead birds, rodents, or other animals in:

  • Roof gutters
  • On the roof
  • In the tank inlet or inside the tank

If this occurs:

  1. Wear disposable gloves when removing dead animals or heavily contaminated debris.
  2. Place carcasses in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of them with household trash, following local guidelines.
  3. Dispose of gloves after use.
  4. Disinfect your tank water before using it again for any household purpose.

Disinfecting Water: Boiling and Chlorination

You can disinfect microbiologically unsafe water (for example, after dead animals or heavy contamination) using boiling or chlorine.
Remember: this is for germs, not for chemical contamination like fire retardants.

Boiling Water Safely

To disinfect water by boiling:

  1. Bring the water to a rolling boil:
    • Heat until a continuous, rapid stream of bubbles rises from the bottom of the pan or kettle.
  2. Kettles with automatic shut-off switches are suitable for boiling water.
  3. Use caution to prevent scalding:
    • Keep hot water away from children
    • Use pot holders and pour slowly
  4. Allow the water to cool before drinking or storing.

Boiled water should be stored in clean, covered containers.

Disinfecting Tank Water with Chlorine

If your tank water is microbiologically unsafe (for example, after removing dead animals or heavy organic contamination), you can use chlorine. Use only chlorine products suitable for water disinfection, and avoid products with added detergents or perfumes.

For every 1,000 liters of water in your tank, you can safely add approximately:

  • 125 mL or 125 g of household bleach
    • Bleach must contain about 4% available chlorine
    • Avoid scented or thickened bleaches with detergents or perfumes

OR

  • 8 mL or 8 g of granular pool chlorine (calcium hypochlorite)
    • With about 65% available chlorine

Note: One teaspoon is approximately 5 grams.

After adding chlorine:

  1. Mix the water as thoroughly as possible (for example, by running a tap for a while).
  2. Wait at least 24 hours before using the water. This allows time for microorganisms to be destroyed and for chlorine levels to decline to safer levels.

For some systems, approximately 40 mL or 40 g of liquid pool chlorine (12.5% available chlorine) per 1,000 liters may be used instead of household bleach, if recommended by a water treatment professional.

If you are unsure about chlorine dosing or your tank size, consult:

  • A licensed water treatment professional in the Grand Rapids area
  • Kent County Health Department for private water system guidance

Local Resources for Grand Rapids and West Michigan Residents

If your private drinking water supply may have been affected by wildfire smoke, nearby fires, or other contamination:

  • Kent County Health Department – Environmental Health
    • Guidance on private wells, rainwater systems, and water testing
  • Grand Rapids Public Health resources
    • Local information on air quality, wildfire smoke, and health advisories
  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
    • Information on private drinking water supplies and emergency water safety
  • Local hospitals and health systems (for health concerns related to smoke or water exposure):
    • Spectrum Health (Corewell Health) in downtown Grand Rapids
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health and affiliated clinics
  • Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
    • Information on environmental contamination, fire retardants, and water quality

During active fires or smoke events affecting the Grand Rapids region, follow:

  • Local emergency management and fire department updates
  • Statewide emergency alerts and MDHHS health advisories

Key Points for Grand Rapids–Area Homeowners

  • Plan ahead: Make sure multiple family members know how your private water system works and how to disconnect downpipes or shut off pumps.
  • Protect your tank: Install first flush diverters, leaf stoppers, and gutter guards; disconnect downpipes when there is a fire or heavy smoke risk.
  • Stay off unsafe roofs: If you must clean your roof, take great care to prevent slips and falls, especially in wet, snowy, or icy West Michigan conditions; consider hiring a professional.
  • Never enter a tank: Tanks are confined spaces and can be fatal; always use professional tank cleaners.
  • Use bottled water if in doubt: Boiling does not remove fire retardants or chemicals; use bottled water for drinking and cooking if contamination is suspected.
  • Disinfect correctly: Use boiling or appropriate chlorine dosing to kill microorganisms—but remember, this does not address chemical contamination.
  • Seek local help: Contact Kent County Health Department, MDHHS, or local healthcare providers in Grand Rapids for guidance if your private drinking water may have been affected by wildfire smoke or nearby fires.