Detroit’s Water Safety Measures Yield Positive Results in Lead Testing
Detroit’s latest water quality tests have once again confirmed the city’s commitment to safe drinking water, as efforts to replace lead service lines and enhance water treatment have brought lead levels significantly below state action levels. This marks the seventh year in a row that Michigan’s updated testing methods have been in place across all communities.
The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) announced that the Lead and Copper Rule compliance testing recorded lead levels at 8 parts per billion (ppb), well beneath the state threshold set at 12 ppb, effective January 2025. Since 2018, the DWSD has successfully replaced over 15,800 lead service lines, significantly contributing to these promising results.
In compliance with regulations from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), communities must test water in homes with lead service lines. During the summer of 2025, DWSD sampled water from 51 such homes, yielding a 90th percentile result of 8 ppb. This is a notable improvement from prior years, with past results being 13 ppb in 2024, and 12 ppb from 2021 to 2023.
Sam Smalley, DWSD Deputy Director and chief engineer, stated, “The water supplied by DWSD is clean and safe for drinking. As the water is delivered to your home from Detroit’s water treatment plants, it is tested at the top of every hour.” Smalley emphasized the cost-effectiveness of tap water compared to bottled water, noting, “The cost of one gallon of tap water is just over a penny for both the water and sewer charges.”
The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) operates Detroit’s water treatment plants, ensuring that water leaving the facilities is lead-free. Lead typically enters water from lead service lines or fixtures within homes. As a precaution, lead service lines have been replaced since 2018, with state and federal funding accelerating these efforts since May 2023.
Understanding the Michigan Lead and Copper Rule
Revised in 2018, Michigan’s Lead and Copper Rule is among the strictest in the U.S. The rule requires collecting both the first and fifth liters of water during testing. This method more accurately reflects lead levels from household plumbing and lead service lines. The majority of Detroit’s service lines are made from lead, copper, or galvanized steel, and the new sampling technique offers a comprehensive view of potential lead exposure in drinking water.
Health Implications of Lead Exposure
Lead exposure poses serious health risks, particularly for infants, young children, and pregnant women. Although drinking water is a source, lead-based paint and contaminated soil are significant contributors to lead exposure. Residents are encouraged to contact the Detroit Health Department for information on lead exposure and testing.
Efforts to Replace Lead Service Lines
DWSD’s lead service line replacement initiative began in 2018 as part of a broader asset management strategy, coinciding with water main replacements. The department conducts extensive outreach to property owners before replacing lines. DWSD covers the cost of replacing lead service lines with copper, utilizing funds from its Capital Improvement Program and state and federal sources. More information is available on the service line map at detroitmi.gov/waterservicelinemap.
Preventive Measures for Detroit Residents
- Flush your pipes: Run water to clear lead. If unused for hours, let it run until cold or steady.
- Use cold water: Only use cold water for drinking and cooking as hot water can dissolve lead more easily.
- Filter for baby formula: Use filtered or bottled water for preparing infant formula.
- Avoid boiling: Boiling doesn’t remove lead; use filtered water during advisories.
- Consider filters: Install NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certified filters to reduce lead.
- Test for lead: Visit detroitmi.gov/leadsafe for testing requests or call the hotline.
- Replace old fixtures: Identify and replace older fixtures that may contain lead.
- Clean aerators: Regularly clean faucet aerators to remove debris and potential lead particles.
Residents are also encouraged to add their homes to the DWSD replacement waitlist if they confirm the existence of lead service lines by visiting detroitmi.gov/LSLR.
For further information on lead safety, visit the City of Detroit’s website at detroitmi.gov/leadsafe or the state’s site at michigan.gov/MILeadSafe.
Read More Here
