Get Ahead of Lead
A new statewide recommendation from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) encourages Michigan households to take steps to reduce potential exposure to lead in drinking water.
Lead exposure can happen in many ways, including through older plumbing, faucets and fixtures. While Michigan continues to work toward identifying and removing sources of lead in drinking water, residents can take steps now to reduce potential exposure in their homes.
What is Michigan recommending?
MDHHS recommends that Michigan households use a certified lead-reducing drinking water filter if their home has—or if they are unsure whether it has—any of the following:
Lead or galvanized plumbing
A lead service line connecting the home to the water main
Faucets or fittings that were sold before 2014
The recommendation applies to homes served by public water systems and private wells.
A certified filter can provide an additional layer of protection while homeowners determine whether lead-containing plumbing or fixtures are present and take steps to replace them.
How do I know if my home has lead plumbing?
If you aren't sure what materials were used in your home's plumbing, you can take steps to find out. The age of your home, the type of plumbing materials present and information from your local water provider may help determine whether lead could be a concern.
Homeowners can also have their plumbing inspected by a qualified professional.
If your home has lead-containing plumbing or fixtures, replacing those sources is the long-term solution. Until they can be replaced, MDHHS recommends using a certified lead-reducing drinking water filter.
Choosing the right water filter
Not every water filter is designed to reduce lead.
When selecting a filter, look for products that have been tested and certified to reduce lead. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides a consumer tool to help residents identify drinking water filters certified to reduce lead.
Filters may be available as faucet-mounted filters, pitcher filters or other point-of-use systems.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation, use and replacement of the filter cartridge.
Simple steps to help maintain your drinking water
In addition to using an appropriate filter when recommended, MDHHS encourages Michigan residents to take several simple steps to maintain drinking water quality:
Keep water moving. Regularly use water throughout your home by doing activities such as washing dishes, doing laundry, taking showers and flushing toilets.
Clean faucet aerators regularly. Aerators can collect debris and should be cleaned at least every six months.
Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Before using water from a faucet for drinking or cooking, run the cold water until it becomes cold rather than using water that has been sitting in the plumbing.
These steps can help reduce the amount of time water is in contact with household plumbing and help maintain water quality.
Free filter support may be available
Michigan has also expanded its Statewide Filter Support Program to eligible households throughout the state.
Households may qualify for a free certified lead-reducing drinking water filter and replacement cartridges if:
A child under 19 who receives Medicaid or a pregnant person who receives Medicaid lives in the home; and
The home has—or may have—lead or galvanized plumbing, a lead service line, or faucets and fittings sold before 2014.
Other programs may also be available to help Michigan families reduce potential lead exposure in their drinking water.
Why is reducing lead exposure important?
There is no identified safe blood lead level for young children. Lead exposure can affect children's learning, behavior, growth and development, which is why preventing exposure whenever possible is important.
Lead in drinking water can come from the corrosion of older plumbing, service lines, faucets and fittings. The amount of lead that enters drinking water can vary depending on factors such as water chemistry, the plumbing materials in the home and how water is used.
Reducing or eliminating sources of lead in the home is the best way to prevent exposure.
Get Ahead of Lead
Michigan residents can learn more about protecting their household drinking water, identifying potential sources of lead and available filter assistance through the MDHHS Get Ahead of Lead initiative.
Learn more and find out whether you may qualify for free filter support: MDHHS Get Ahead of Lead
If you have questions about lead in drinking water or available assistance, contact the MDHHS Drinking Water Hotline at 844-934-1315.
Remember: If you are unsure whether your home has lead-containing plumbing, you don't have to wait to take steps to protect your household. A certified lead-reducing drinking water filter can provide an additional layer of protection while you determine what is in your home's plumbing.
