Kalamazoo Splash was originally envisioned by now-Deputy City Manager Jerri Barnett-Moore while she was the Public Services Director.  Label designs were developed and the current label was approved.  However, difficulties in finding a company to bottle the water prevented Kalamazoo Splash from becoming a reality.

In early 2007, a bottling company in Wyoming, Michigan was contacted and the first tanker shipment of City of Kalamazoo water was shipped.  Kalamazoo Splash made its debut in the spring of 2007.  Initially, these water bottles with attractive labels were supplied to the City Manger’s Office, used at City Commission meetings and provided to a variety of groups both inside and outside the City.  A second bottling run was conducted in late 2007 with more controls on distribution.  This proved to be very helpful when our neighboring city to the north, Parchment, experienced a water system problem and bottled water was needed for its citizens.  Most of the current supply was exhausted in order to assist the City of Parchment in their time of need.

 Another shipment of water will produce the next round of Kalamazoo Splash.  This bottled water will be used and a large amount stored in case there is another major need for it.