In 1991, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a regulation called the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) that requires water systems to control lead and copper in drinking water using corrosion control measures. The revised
Michigan Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) was revised in 2018 and created more requirements to reduce lead and copper levels in drinking water.
One of the new requirements for the revised LCR is how water samples are collected. The new sampling guidelines require that the first and fifth liter of tap water is collected in homes with lead service lines. The first liter represents water from household fixtures, and the fifth is likely to represent water from the lead line.
Every year, we sample 50 homes within the city limits. Our sampling period typically begins in early summer and ends in September.
For questions about the sampling program, please email us at watersampling@grcity.us or call us at 616.456.3958.
For participating in the program, you will receive a $50 credit on your water bill at the end of the sampling period. However, participation in the sampling program is voluntary.
Please, complete the questionnaire below to assist us in our sampling data collection. You must complete the questionnaire before you can participate in the program.
Questionnaire
Cuestionario
If you are collecting your water sample, the video below will walk you through how to collect a water sample.
You can also download the instructions below for more detailed step-by-step instructions.
Instructions(PDF, 88KB)
Instrucciones(PDF, 212KB)
The current allowable level for lead set by the state of Michigan and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is 15 parts per billion (ppb). In 2018, the state updated its
Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) the new allowable action level of 12 ppb will take effect on January 1, 2025.
Sampling Results
We take measures at the water filtration plant to limit your exposure to lead by treating it with orthophosphates to prevent lead particles from breaking off your lead water service line and home’s plumbing.
However, prevention is the best way to protect your family. Visit the link below for tips on minimizing your lead exposure from drinking water.
More Info