WATER CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT The annual report for calendar year 2017 is published in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and summarizes the status of the BHV water system during the last calendar year. Please read it carefully and contact the numbers given for questions or concerns. Go to the Reports Tab to view the report.
LAWN DEBRIS
–BHV staff will pick up brush and sticks gathered by homeowners for disposal. Lawn service providers are expected to haul away their clean-up debris.
–Separate out sticks/brush that can be chipped from leaves and other debris. Place piles near the driveway or road where the staff can see and collect them as their work schedule allows.
COAL TAR SEALANT BAN
–Use of driveway sealants that contain higher amounts of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) is prohibited in Ann Arbor Township, which includes BHV. Scientific studies have demonstrated a relationship between the use of these products and certain health and environmental concerns, including increased cancer risk and impaired water quality.
–There are several alternatives with significantly lower or no PAH content, including asphalt-based seal coat which is readily available at similar cost. Asphalt-based sealers and crack fillers carry the label: C.A.S. 8052-42-4. The product label also should state Asbestos Free.
–Commercial operators contracted by a homeowner should confirm their compliance with the annual registration process required by Ann Arbor Township.
TICKS/LYME DISEASE Ticks that carry Lyme disease are present in increasing numbers in Washtenaw County. See Page 2 for information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on actions to take to reduce the risks of disease caused by tick bites.
GARLIC MUSTARD Garlic mustard is an aggressive invasive herb that crowds out native plant species in and near forested areas. Early spring is the ideal time to look for and pull out garlic mustard before it goes to seed. Put the pulled plants near the road for pick up/proper disposal by BHV staff. For a very informative video featuring local experts and former BHV resident Fred Clark (author of the BHV Forestry Study) visit https://vimeo.com/2855779.
Tick season is here: Take appropriate precautionary measures
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging Michigan residents to protect themselves from ticks as the warm weather approaches. Tick-borne diseases, and particularly Lyme disease, are expanding across the State.
Although ticks can cause multiple illnesses, Lyme disease is the most commonly reported tick-borne disease in Michigan. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted by the blacklegged/deer tick.
The blacklegged tick is becoming more established in Michigan, with 17 cases of Lyme disease confirmed in Washtenaw County in 2016 and an additional 10 cases in 2017. Six of those cases were likely exposed within the county. People can protect themselves against Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases by using the following tips to prevent tick bites:
- Avoid tick-infested areas.
–Walk in the center of trails to avoid contact with overgrown grass, brush, and leaf litter at trail edges.
–Protect your pets too! Dogs and cats can come into contact with ticks outdoors and bring them into the home, so using tick prevention products on pets is also recommended. - Use insect repellent.
–Apply repellent containing DEET (20-30 percent) or Picaridin on exposed skin.
–Treat clothes (especially pants, socks, and shoes) with permethrin, which kills ticks on contact, or buy clothes that are pre-treated. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
–Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying any repellents. - Perform daily tick checks.
–Always check for ticks on yourself and your animals after being outdoors, even in your own yard.
–Inspect all body surfaces carefully, and remove attached ticks with tweezers.
–How to remove a tick: Grasp the tick firmly and as closely to the skin as possible. With a steady motion, pull the tick’s body away from the skin. Cleanse the area with an antiseptic. - Bathe or shower.
–Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks that are crawling on you.
–Washing clothing in hot water, and drying on high heat will kill ticks in clothing, and help to prevent ticks from coming indoors.
Monitor your health and if you experience fever, rash, muscle or joint aches, or other symptoms, consult with your medical provider. More information is available at bit.ly/countytick18 (Washtenaw County) or michigan.gov/lyme.