Michigan Water Testing Firm Charged With Falsifying Results in Mobile Home Park Cases Including Calhoun County Site

*Michigan Attorney General Charges Brighton Company and President With Falsifying Drinking Water Tests at Mobile Home Parks*

Prosecutors allege a Michigan water testing firm falsified test results reported to regulators, raising questions about water safety in communities across the state.

DOUGLAS ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC. AND ITS PRESIDENT BRIAN POWELL FACE CRIMINAL CHARGES FOR ALLEGEDLY FALSIFYING WATER TEST RESULTS REPORTED TO STATE REGULATORS. THE CASE INVOLVES MOBILE HOME PARKS ACROSS MICHIGAN INCLUDING A SITE IN CALHOUN COUNTY.

The charges were filed March 30 in the 53rd District Court in Howell, according to court records. The company and Powell are accused of forging test results and failing to report water quality issues that could have posed risks to residents.

What They Are Charged With

Powell faces multiple serious charges including:

• One count of conducting a criminal enterprise, a 20-year felony
• Six counts of forgery, each a 14-year felony
• Seven misdemeanor violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act

The criminal enterprise charge is the most serious, carrying a potential 20-year sentence if convicted.

Where The Allegations Apply

According to prosecutors, investigators allege that on at least six occasions in 2023, Douglas Environmental falsified water test results for private water systems serving several mobile home communities including:

• Moon Lake Mobile Home Park in Shiawassee County
• Thornapple Lake Estates in Barry County
• Fenton Harbor Condominiums in Genesee County

Powell is further accused of failing to report water tests exceeding legal contaminant limits between 2020 and 2023 at additional locations including:

• Hickory Hills Mobile Homes in Calhoun County
• Green Brook Estates in Livingston County
• Western Pines in Kalamazoo County
• North Bay Mobile Home Park
• Vicinia Gardens in Genesee County

The involvement of Hickory Hills Mobile Homes in Calhoun County directly impacts our region, as residents there rely on the water system monitored by Douglas Environmental.

How The Case Unfolded

The case arose from an administrative review conducted by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. EGLE found alleged discrepancies between results reported to the state and materials the agency received from Douglas Environmental.

The investigation was conducted by the Department of Natural Resources law enforcement division and the environmental crime unit. State testing indicates that nobody was harmed through the alleged falsification, according to the Attorney General's office.

What The Attorney General Says

Attorney General Dana Nessel's office stated that Powell was solely responsible for reporting Douglas Environmental's test results to EGLE.

Safe drinking water relies on honest testing, Nessel said in a statement. Falsifying reports jeopardizes the well-being of residents, and I am grateful for EGLE's and DNR's work to uncover and investigate these extremely troubling allegations.

Next Steps In The Case

Court records show Powell was given a $10,000 personal bond. He is scheduled for a probable cause conference on May 5 and a preliminary examination on May 5 before Judge Daniel B. Bain in Howell.

Private water service providers are required to regularly submit water testing results to EGLE. When contamination exceeds maximum allowable levels, providers must immediately notify the state. Failure to do so could leave residents unaware of potential health risks from contaminated water.

The Broader Impact

This case highlights the importance of proper water testing and reporting in Michigan. Private water systems serve many mobile home communities across the state, and accurate testing ensures that residents have access to safe drinking water.

The charges against Douglas Environmental and Powell come as Michigan continues to address water infrastructure challenges across the state. State officials emphasize that honest reporting is essential for protecting public health and ensuring that contamination issues are addressed promptly.

Community Concerns

Residents of mobile home parks that used Douglas Environmental services may have questions about the water quality they received between 2020 and 2023. EGLE continues to monitor water systems and can provide information about testing requirements and results for private water systems in the state.

The Attorney General's office stated that state testing indicates nobody was harmed through the alleged falsification. However, the charges emphasize the importance of proper reporting and testing procedures to ensure ongoing water safety.

This story was updated on April 8, 2026.

Sources:

• mlive.com — https://www.mlive.com/environment/2026/04/michigan-drinking-water-testing-firm-accused-of-falsifying-results.html
• michigan.gov/ag — https://www.michigan.gov/ag/news/press-releases/2026/04/01/private-mobile-home-water-services-provider
• whmi.com — https://www.whmi.com/news/article/douglas-environmental-mobile-home-water-testing-egle-brian-powell
• midmichigannow.com — https://midmichigannow.com/news/local/douglas-environmental-michigan-charged-false-water-safety-discharge-tests-dana-nessel-crime-investigation-private-services-state