County Officials Decline On-Camera Interviews While Inmates Get New Water Access
KALAMAZOO COUNTY, Mich. — Kalamazoo County officials have eased restrictions on water access for jail inmates, but the move has sparked frustration from family members who say the water remains unsafe. More troubling for transparency advocates, requests for on-camera interviews with officials have been denied.
The county announced Tuesday that it lifted restrictions on access to drinking water, allowing inmates to exchange empty bottles for new ones. Previously, inmates were limited to seven bottles a day. However, officials maintain the water is still not safe for drinking, but it can be used for cooking and showering.
Concerns over water quality at the Kalamazoo County Jail have prompted officials to address high levels of copper in the water. Critics argue that the county's efforts are insufficient.
Aracely Gonzales, whose boyfriend Marcus is an inmate at the jail, expressed frustration with the county's response.
"Marcus has sensitive skin," Gonzales said. "So, the water is breaking him out. He has gotten like bumps. He's getting bumps all over his face because of the skin reaction."
Gonzales is urging the county to take more decisive action.
"Do something differently and maybe some we wouldn't have these concerns," she said. "We have people on the news talking about it you know so it's just they need to do something differently, that's all."
News Channel 3 has requested an on-camera interview with officials at the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office multiple times. The office directed requests to the county's Public Information Officer Taylor Koopman, who has declined on-camera interviews, providing only statements and emails.
News Channel 3 also asked Koopman for on-camera interviews with the Kalamazoo County Department of Health and Community Service and with the Kalamazoo County Building and Grounds. Both requests were denied.
Previous coverage indicates the water fix may take six to eight months according to the sheriff's office.
In a follow-up email to Koopman, News Channel 3 asked whether the water quality issue is confined to the jail or if it affects the sheriff's office and surrounding homes. The office did not respond to follow-up questions.
Gonzales remains concerned about the long-term impact on her boyfriend's health and the transparency of the county's response.
"We wouldn't have people on the news talking about it you know so it's just they need to do something differently," she said.