Terrified and furious: Forest Hills residents react as PFAS contaminates their water
Terrified and furious: Forest Hills residents react to PFAS found in water
Third contamination site identified in Cascade Township
Some Forest Hills residents are voicing alarm after learning their drinking water contains elevated levels of PFAS, synthetic chemicals linked to health risks with long-term exposure.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) confirms Aspenwood Drive in Forest Hills as the newest area under investigation for PFAS contamination. The Michigan PFAS Action Response Team listed the area as an “Area of Interest” on December 2 on the state PFAS response website.
Aspenwood marks the third area of interest in Cascade Township. The Hillsboro area was identified in September 2023, and Irene in November 2023. Public meetings and outreach have already occurred for residents in those zones.
How the contamination was discovered
EGLE’s investigation began after residential drinking water tests conducted during a home sale in June 2025 showed PFAS exceedances. Specifically, PFOA measured 16 parts per trillion, above the state criterion of 8 ppt. The discovery stemmed from a point-of-sale test, which triggered further investigation revealing that most homes in the neighborhood tested high for PFAS, with about two of 13 homes testing lower, according to Ashley Schaefer, a Forest Hills neighbor and local realtor.
Resident reactions
Ashley Schaefer recalls learning of the contamination in November when EGLE asked to test the neighborhood’s PFAS levels. She has followed PFAS concerns since contamination was found in Rockford earlier, but did not expect to see it in her own community.
"We are both terrified and really angry," she said.
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” do not break down over time. The state’s PFAS Action Response Team notes studies suggesting potential impacts, including reduced pregnancy chances, higher risk of hypertension in pregnant women, thyroid issues, elevated cholesterol, altered immune response, and certain cancers.
Schaefer describes the frustration of discovering PFAS in a daily resource like drinking water. "Having your natural resource in something you rely on daily, multiple times a day, for essentially everything, and being poisoned without your knowledge or consent is incredibly frustrating," she said.
She notes many of the neighborhood wells were built in the 1970s and are now aging, potentially inadequate for today’s water needs.
As a parent, she worries about the health implications for her family, including developmental impacts, which keeps many nights uncomfortable.
Questions about next steps
Residents are left wondering what to do next.
"What more can I do? Do I need to boil water? Should I install a whole-house system? How do I inform neighbors? How can we protect our community?" Schaefer asked.
Her family installed a reverse osmosis (RO) system, considered among the most effective options for reducing PFAS, though it does not eliminate the chemicals entirely. "RO is the best, easiest option to remediate it, but it doesn’t remove PFAS entirely—PFAS is everywhere, and it has been, but it lowers the level to what’s deemed allowable," she explained.
Impact on home values
As a Realtor, Schaefer addressed concerns about property values. She says PFAS contamination does not automatically lower home values because it is widespread and potentially remediable; nearby neighbors likely face similar conditions.
State investigation status
EGLE notes no single PFAS source has been pinpointed in the immediate residential area; potential sources exist in the broader region. Multiple sources may contribute to groundwater contamination in each area, given PFAS prevalence in many products. Groundwater flow direction remains uncertain, though estimates point southwest toward the Thornapple River.
EGLE has conducted three sampling rounds, attempting access to more than 50 properties and sampling 36 locations. PFAS exceedances were found at 17 locations, with 16 additional sites showing detections below state criteria. No specific sources have been identified yet as investigations continue. Sampling areas are expanding based on results, with letters sent to over 60 additional properties.
Expansion and testing efforts
EGLE expands sampling by reviewing results, well logs, depths, groundwater flow directions, and site geology to identify other wells at risk. The state offers to sample all wells within the three areas of interest. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) provides point-of-use filters certified to remove PFAS for homes with detectable PFAS, free of charge, and installed promptly by officials.
Any resident in Irene, Hillsboro, Aspenwood, or other PFAS sampling zones is eligible for state-funded PFAS sampling.
For those outside state-funded areas, EGLE provides guidance for independent testing using the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team resources.
Guidance for concerned residents
Schaefer urges well owners not in active testing zones to test their water proactively rather than waiting for state updates.
"If you have a well and aren’t in a tested area, assume PFAS could be present and take care of your family now rather than waiting for the state to catch up," she advised.
Long-term solutions
State plans include permanent fixes for affected zones. In Irene, EGLE is funding a municipal water extension project, with design complete and construction anticipated to begin in spring 2026. For Hillsboro—larger in scope—EGLE is coordinating with the City of Grand Rapids Water Department and pursuing funding to expand municipal water access.
Schaefer hopes connecting to municipal water will become the final solution for safety and peace of mind.
"Connecting to municipal water would be ideal for our community’s safety, our neighbors, and our kids. We deserve clean drinking water and deserve access to a reliable supply," she said.
Outlook
Despite ongoing investigations, Schaefer remains unsure whether the PFAS source will ever be identified.
For home sampling guidance, visit the Michigan PFAS Response Team’s drinking-water sampling resources.
This report was originally produced by a journalist and has been adapted for this platform with AI assistance. Our editorial team verifies all reporting for fairness and accuracy.
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