Lead is a naturally occurring metal that can be dangerous to human health. No level of lead is safe. Developing fetuses, infants, and young children are especially vulnerable.
Treated drinking water from the City’s water filtration plant is lead-free when it leaves the plant. It remains lead-free as it moves through the system. When the drinking water reaches your home, lead particles can enter the drinking water from the home’s plumbing or a lead water service line. Before 1950, it was common for water service lines to be made of lead.
Check out this short educational video from the American Water Works Association to learn more about water and lead services lines.
Several additional precautions are being taken to keep lead out of drinking water. At the filtration plant, water is treated to prevent lead particles from breaking off lead pipes or old plumbing and fixtures.
The city's drinking water is tested annually for lead. These tests consistently confirm that the lead levels in the city’s drinking water are within the allowable limits established by the State of Michigan and the federal government.
Prevention is the best way to protect your family. Here are steps you can take to help minimize lead exposure from drinking water:
- Use cold water - For drinking, cooking, making ice, beverages, and infant formula. Boiling water does not remove lead from water.
- Use a certified lead-reduction filter - If you have a lead service line, lead or galvanized plumbing or older faucets and fittings sold before 2014, consider buying a filter that meets NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 53. When using a filter, follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for maintenance and replacement.
- Keep your water moving - If water has not been used for a few hours, run the kitchen or bathroom faucet for at least 5 minutes. You can also run the dishwasher, shower, or use a washing machine.
- Remove and clean faucet aerators - At least every six months. Small particles may accumulate on the screens. Check out this video from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) on How to Clean Your Aerator.
- Hire a licensed plumber - A plumber can help you identify the materials in your home plumbing system and inform you about alternate lead-free approved materials for your household plumbing. Visit www.epa.gov/water for more information about lead-free plumbing products.
More Info
As of January 1, 2025, Michigan's allowable lead level was lowered from 15 parts per billion (ppb) to 12 ppb. In October 2024, the EPA lowered the limit to 10 ppb, and Michigan is expected to review and adopt this change in the coming years.
In 2024, 50 homes were sample in the city. The final water sampling results did not exceed the allowable lead level. The water testing results for 2024 are 6 ppb for lead and 0.0 parts per million (ppm) for copper.
More info
The City’s goal is to have all lead services replaced by 2041 or in accordance with the City’s Water/Sewer Comprehensive Master Plan. However, in October 2024, the EPA introduced new regulations requiring cities to complete lead service line replacements within 10 years. Michigan is expected to review and adopt this change in the coming years.
All lead service line from the water main to the water meter are actively being replaced at no cost to the property owner.
The City will replace your lead service line at no cost when:
- There is a leak on the lead water service line.
- Your home is within the limits of a city construction project.
Tenants and property owners will receive a letter, door hanger, or call informing them of their upcoming lead service line replacement and steps on how to begin the process.
More Info
We have developed a new tool where you can search for your property address and determine the material of your water service line. The water service line is the pipe that brings water into your home from the water main in the street.
View Map
As part of the City’s Participatory Budgeting Initiative, residents in the Third Ward allocated $500,000 of their total $1M investment to address lead service line concerns. Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan is tasked with distributing free lead-reducing water kits to Third Ward residents with lead service lines.
These kits includes:
- A lead-reducing filter pitcher
- Elite Brita replacement filters
- Materials for removing and cleaning faucet aerators
- Lead education materials
- An optional in-home assessment of pipes and fixtures to identify risks
If you're eligible for a free lead-reducing water kit, please contact Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan at (616) 241-3300 or via email at kat@hhcwm.org. The kits are available for pick-up or delivery.
More Info
The City is required to send an annual notification to properties that may have a lead service line.
No further action is need at this time.
Improves the wellbeing of Michigan residents by promoting safe environments through child, health, and home-based intervention programs, including public education and community outreach.
Get answers to your important questions about protecting yourself and your family from lead in your water. Explore their available resources.
Find local resources on lead testing, lead in Kent County, and how to protect your family.
Offers financial assistance to make your Grand Rapids home or rental property lead-safe.
Flyers, fact sheets and posters that offer guidance on how to reduce risk and take action by testing and filtering water.
Provides you and your family with the tools and information necessary to address and prevent lead exposure.