A significant portion of Houghton County’s drinking water supply once flowed from an unexpected source: the depths of the Painesdale Mine.
The community’s water originally came from one of the upper levels of the Painesdale Mine and Shaft, where an aquifer sits above the bedrock. The Champion Mining Company supplied much of the region by selling this underground water to residents and townships.
“The sand sits on top of the bedrock that was mined by the companies,” said Vince Kanthak, treasurer of the Painesdale Mine and Shaft Association. “In the process of mining, the company got too close to the top of the bedrock and the sand, which was filled with an aquifer, started leaking into the mine, causing problems.”
The water proved cleaner than surrounding surface water sources people were drinking at the time.
“The water from here was known as Painesdale water, which is synonymous with high-quality water,” Kanthak said. “Fortunately, even though it is a mined area, the township has to test annually, along with all municipalities.”
The Painesdale Mine and Shaft Association recently received an $11,000 grant from the America250 Fund to support roof preservation work on the former water tank building.
The historic site offers tours at noon on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer. Kanthak said the location provides a unique look at the mining industry through above-ground tours of the Number Four Shaft House.
Those interested in supporting the Painesdale Mine and Shaft can learn more about volunteer opportunities with the association online.
