Bold concern, growing fear, and a fight for clean water: Forest Hills residents face a troubling PFAS finding in their taps.
“Terrified and angry”: Forest Hills residents react to PFAS found in water
Third contamination site identified in Cascade Township
Some Forest Hills households are expressing alarm after learning their drinking water contains elevated PFAS levels—synthetic chemicals linked to health risks with long-term exposure.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) confirmed Aspenwood Drive in Forest Hills as the latest, newly identified area under investigation for PFAS contamination. On December 2, the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team labeled the location an “Area of Interest” on the state PFAS response site.
Aspenwood marks the third area of interest in Cascade Township. The Hillsboro area was flagged in September 2023, and Irene in November 2023. Community outreach and public meetings have already been held for residents in those regions.
How the contamination was found
EGLE’s investigation began after residential drinking water tests conducted during a property transaction in June 2025 showed PFAS exceedances. One test reported PFOA at 16 parts per trillion, above the state criterion of 8 ppt.
The discovery stemmed from a point-of-sale test during a home sale. This high reading triggered an EGLE inquiry, which revealed elevated PFAS across nearly all homes in the neighborhood, with only about two of 13 homes testing below the high readings, according to Ashley Schaefer, a Forest Hills neighbor and local realtor.
Resident perspective
Ashley Schaefer explained that she and neighboring residents learned of the contamination in November when EGLE contacted them to test PFAS levels in the neighborhood. She has known about PFAS since 2016–2017 due to contamination issues in Rockford, but never expected to encounter it at home.
“We are both terrified and really angry,” Schaefer said.
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” do not easily break down. The state’s PFAS Action Response Team notes studies linking PFAS exposure to several health risks, including potential impacts on pregnancy, high blood pressure during pregnancy, thyroid issues, cholesterol, immune responses, and certain cancers.
For Schaefer, discovering these chemicals in her drinking water is deeply frustrating.
“Water is a daily necessity,” she said. “To have something you rely on poisoned without your knowledge or consent is incredibly disheartening.”
Her neighborhood, built in the 1970s, relies on wells that are now around six decades old, which Schaefer believes may be inadequate for today’s water demands.
As a parent, she worries about her family’s health and the long-term developmental implications for children.
“Thinking about the impact on our kids keeps us up at night,” she admitted.
Next steps and questions
Residents are left wondering what actions to take next.
“What more can I do? Should I boil tap water? Should I install a whole-house filtration system? How do I inform neighbors and safeguard the community?” Schaefer asked.
Her family installed a reverse osmosis system, which is widely regarded as an effective PFAS reducer, though not a complete eliminator of the chemicals. Schaefer noted, however, that PFAS is pervasive, existing even after treatment.
“A reverse osmosis system is the best, most practical remediation option available,” she explained, but it merely lowers PFAS to levels deemed “allowable.”
Impact on home values
As a licensed Realtor, Schaefer addressed concerns about property values. She indicated that PFAS contamination typically does not depress home values in this case because the issue is widespread and can be remediated; neighboring homes and streets are affected alike.
State investigation status
EGLE confirms no single PFAS source has been identified within the immediate residential area, though potential sources across the broader region are under study. The agency warns that multiple sources may contribute to groundwater contamination across the three areas of interest due to PFAS prevalence in consumer, commercial, and industrial products over time. Groundwater flow direction remains uncertain, though it is believed to trend southwest toward the Thornapple River.
So far, EGLE has conducted three sampling rounds, attempting access to over 50 properties and testing 36 locations. PFAS exceedances were found at 17 sites, with 16 additional locations showing PFAS levels below state criteria.
No definitive sources have been pinpointed yet. The sampling area is expanding based on results, and letters have been sent to more than 60 additional properties seeking access for testing.
EGLE’s approach combines data review, well logs, well depths, groundwater flow direction, and site geology to identify other potentially affected wells.
Resources and testing
In all three areas of interest, the state offers to sample every property using drinking water wells within those zones. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) provides point-of-use filters certified to remove PFAS at no cost to homes with detectable PFAS levels. State-provided filters are installed quickly by responsive officials.
Residents within Irene, Hillsboro, Aspenwood, or any PFAS sampling area qualify for state-funded PFAS sampling. EGLE will contact eligible residents.
If you’re worried about PFAS in your water, Schaefer urges testing, even if your area isn’t yet under investigation.
“If you have a well and you’re not in a tested neighborhood, take a proactive approach,” she advised. “Assume PFAS is present and act to protect your family.”
EGLE recommends private-well testing for PFAS. If you’re outside the state-funded areas, you can sample your well independently following guidance on the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team site.
Long-term plans
The state is pursuing permanent solutions for affected communities. In Irene, EGLE is funding a municipal water extension project with design nearing completion and construction slated to begin in spring 2026. For the broader Hillsboro area, EGLE collaborates with the City of Grand Rapids Water Department and is seeking funds to support a municipal connection.
Schaefer envisions connecting to municipal water as the ideal outcome for safety, health, and long-term peace of mind for families in the community.
“Ideally, we would connect to municipal water for everyone’s safety,” she said.
Despite ongoing investigations, Schaefer remains wary about pinpointing the exact PFAS source.
“I’m not sure we’ll ever know precisely where PFAS is coming from,” she reflected.
For home sampling guidance, visit the state’s PFAS response page.
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