White Deer Village Condominium Association, a nonprofit in Houghton Lake, Michigan, located in Roscommon County, has managed its community’s infrastructure for over 36 years. One of its most persistent challenges has been providing safe drinking water for its 19 owner-occupied units and one HOA-owned rental. Due to limited financial resources, addressing critical water system issues has long remained a challenge.

With assistance from Communities Unlimited (CU) and its Community Infrastructure Lending program, White Deer Village is now on the path to delivering safe, contaminant-free water.

However, dangerously high arsenic levels in the deep well posed a serious health risk. In 2021, CU provided a $23,650 loan to fund a new well and rehabilitate the existing shallow well. White Deer Village was referred to CU for financial assistance through the Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP), part of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) national network. As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), CU provides financial assistance to utilities like White Deer across the country, ensuring they have the resources needed to maintain and improve infrastructure.

Despite the initial funding, challenges persisted. The newly drilled well was not properly sealed, allowing contaminants from surface water to enter. Excessive silt in the system even led to sand pouring from bathtub faucets. As a result, the Michigan Department of the Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) placed the system under a consent order.

Recognizing the severity of the issue, White Deer Village sought guidance from EGLE’s Jamie Wade and explored various solutions, including filtration systems and alternative water sources. The best course of action, recommended by EGLE, was to cap the deep well, install a silt filter on the new well, and integrate it into a two-well system with the existing shallow well.

In March 2025, White Deer Village secured a second CU loan of $7,760 to complete the project. This funding covers the installation of a silt filter, sealing off the contaminated deep well, and finalizing the two-well system.

Brian Adams, president of White Deer Village, played a crucial role in securing support and navigating the project’s complexities. EGLE had worked with the community for years to explore potential solutions, but financial constraints made implementation difficult.

“You’re talking about a $20,000 well and maybe another $15,000 for a filtration system — that’s $35,000 divided among 20 owners,” Adams said. “They don’t have $2,000 each just sitting around. Being able to pay for it over time through the loan made all the difference.”

Beyond financing, CU remained a supportive partner throughout the process.

“CU didn’t just help with the first loan and disappear,” Adams said.

Unlike other financing options that would have placed a heavy burden on residents, the CU loan allowed the community to spread costs over time, ensuring future property owners also contributed. Additionally, the loan was based on future HOA dues rather than requiring significant collateral.

With work now underway, the community hopes to complete the project within a month, pending weather conditions. Well connections and repairs have begun, and EGLE expedited permits to ensure a swift resolution.

“Fingers crossed we can get it wrapped up soon,” Adams said.

“Everyone I’ve worked with at Communities Unlimited has been positive, approachable, and ready to help,” he said. “They never questioned why we were in this situation. They just focused on getting us back on track. We really appreciate that.”

With a sustainable, safe water system finally within reach, White Deer Village is on track to secure a better future for its residents — ensuring clean drinking water for generations to come.