Home flushing recommendations when reconnecting water services
Lead water pipes can sometimes be found in older homes. Drinking water faucets manufactured before 2014 were allowed to contain up to 8 percent lead. This lead can sometimes find its way into our drinking water. Pick the right filter.
Lead found in drinking water is soluble or particulate. Soluble lead is lead that is dissolved in water. Particulate lead is small pieces of lead from lead-containing material. Either type of lead can get into your drinking water when pipes or faucets containing lead begin to break down or dissolve. The amount of lead that can end up in drinking water depends on:
Lead can also get into drinking water from:
Lead can also be found in well water or other ground water sources.
Learn about lead in drinking water by watching, "Together, Let's Get the Lead Out."
Your water is either from a public water supply or from a private well. If you get a bill for your water, you are on a public water supply. Public water suppliers are required to test household water for lead. Private wells do not have the same requirements.
To learn more about your drinking water, contact:
If your public water supplier is not able or willing to sample your home or if you have a private well, you can still get your water tested. Contact a laboratory certified for lead analysis or request information from your local health department to learn more.
Want to learn more about the new Lead and Copper Rule (LCR)?
Visit the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy's (EGLE) website for an overview of the Rule, the sampling process, and for additional resources. Or visit the University of Michigan's website to read about how they are supporting the implementation of Michigan's revised Lead and Copper Rule.
Lead might get into your drinking water as your water flows through older service lines, plumbing, pipes, fixtures, and faucets that contain lead.
Lead exposures from drinking water can cause the same health effects as other sources of lead.
There are steps you can take to protect yourself and those in your household.
All community and nontransient noncommunity water supplies are subject to Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) requirements. The LCR establishes action levels for lead and copper based on a 90th percentile level of tap samples. Water supplies must conduct tap monitoring and associated reporting to stay in compliance with the LCR. Click the link above for details regarding 2018 rule changes, reporting guidelines, forms, and templates.
More InformationAll children need access to healthy water. Quality drinking water is critical to a child's overall health, development and performance. Michigan children spend a significant portion of their day in school or child care facilities. The School Drinking Water Program provides school personnel with training, guidance, and tools on school water management practices, sampling plans, and risk reduction.
More InformationRevisions to the LCR established the statewide Drinking Water Advisory Council, and individual Water System Advisory Councils to provide education about lead in drinking water to the state and local communities. The statewide council includes water industry professionals, public health professionals and members of the public. A local council must have five or more people, with at least one being a community resident.
More Information