*Kalamazoo County Jail Inmates on Bottled Water for Six Months After Copper Lead Discovery*

Water fountains are off at the Kalamazoo County Jail. Inmates receive seven bottles of water per day. The facility will not have clean drinking water for six to eight months.

"Water quality issues at the Kalamazoo County Jail could take around six to eight months to fix, according to the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office."

The Kalamazoo County Health Department ordered the facility to shut down drinking water after testing revealed elevated levels of copper and lead. The water remains safe for washing and cleaning but is not potable.

What Happened

Pipes burst at the jail during freezing weather in mid-February. The sheriff's office replaced a water softener as part of the repairs. Testing conducted about one month ago showed high levels of copper in the facility's drinking water.

"During testing about one month ago, elevated levels of copper and lead were identified by the Kalamazoo County Health Department."

The health department recommended that people should not drink the water until the issue is resolved. Undersheriff Michelle Greenlee confirmed that water fountains were turned off throughout the facility and notices were sent to inmates and staff.

Impact on Inmates

Jail staff distribute up to seven bottles of water per inmate daily. Greenlee said water is being distributed with each meal to manage waste and prevent the accumulation of water bottles in cells.

"Jail staff are giving inmates up to seven bottles of water per day."

News Channel 3 requested on-camera interviews with Sheriff Richard Fuller and Kalamazoo County Jail Administrator Captain Stephen Beers but was told both officials are away.

Ongoing Investigation

The Kalamazoo County Health Department is working with Building and Grounds staff and the City of Kalamazoo to address the issue. The jail's water is provided by the City of Kalamazoo.