Watersheds We Help Protect

In Mecosta County, an average 36 inches of precipitation each year equates to about 360 billion gallons of water. County-wide, nearly one-third of this water (112 billion gallons) infiltrates through the sandy soils to become groundwater (Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy [EGLE]). Groundwater flows slowly at the rate of a few feet each day, emerging at springs, lakes, streams, and rivers. About 2.9 billion gallons of groundwater are used to irrigate Mecosta County crops each year; another 0.9 billion gallons is withdrawn for use by cities and industries, including BlueTriton (2019 EGLE data).

MICHIGAN WATER WITHDRAWALS
To protect both public health and the environment, the State of Michigan governs the withdrawal of water in the State. The permitting standards for bottled water are as rigorous as the standards for municipal water supplies. The State specifies which materials and equipment are used in the construction and operation of a water supply, and certifies site contractors and system operators. State approval for use of the source follows only after an on-site inspection and thorough review of testing data. Water quality must meet or exceed standards set by the US Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA), the State of Michigan, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA).

SANCTUARY SPRINGS
BlueTriton’s Sanctuary Springs source consists of four wells that range between 120 and 135 feet deep. BlueTriton is permitted through the State of Michigan to withdraw groundwater at a maximum rate of 400 gallons per minute (GPM).

In 2021, BlueTriton withdrew water from the Sanctuary Springs source at an average of 222 GPM, slightly over one-half of the rate permitted by the State of Michigan.

Springs are located about 700 feet south of the wells, along the northern shore of the Osprey Lake Impoundment, a man-made lake. The outflow from the Osprey Lake Impoundment forms the Deadstream, which flows into Gilbert Creek in the Tri-Lakes region of Mecosta County. To meet FDA requirements for spring water, it has been demonstrated that all four wells draw water from the same aquifer from which the springs flow; that well water quality is the same as the water flowing from the springs; and that the springs continue to flow. Our business depends on it.

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING
Professionally trained, independent scientists contracted by BlueTriton monitor water levels in streams, ponds, wetlands, and the aquifer. Flow in the two closest streams, Gilbert Creek and Deadstream, are measured weekly from May 15 through August 31 each year. Flow in the Little Muskegon River and the Muskegon River are continuously monitored by the USGS since 1995.

In keeping with Michigan Water Use regulations, BlueTriton continuously monitors the withdrawal rate from the Sanctuary Springs wellfield, and annually reports withdrawal volumes to the State. The environmental monitoring program begun in 2000 documents that BlueTriton’s operations do not adversely affect natural resources, local water users, or the environment. The monitoring data are provided to stakeholders.

The aquatic habitats of the Deadstream and Gilbert Creek are also monitored by independent scientists. Both creeks are designated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as coldwater trout streams, characterized by stable flows, stable temperatures, and stable channels, which are typical of spring-fed streams. Wetlands near the Sanctuary Springs have been mapped and are routinely monitored. The water withdrawal has not affected the functional ecology of the wetlands or the aquatic communities after almost 21 years of operations.

This scientific data is available to the public through the United States Geologic Survey website and shared by BlueTriton with local officials and stakeholders.