Lead Line Replacement Program

View the Lead Water Service Line Map to view all service lines in Grand Rapids. While we can’t be 100% certain without visually confirming your water service line, this map is a helpful resource based on our historical records.

Yes, your water is safe to drink, although we plan to replace all lead service lines in the city, at no cost to the property owner. If you’d like to take extra precautions, you can install a water filter on your faucet or refrigerator, run your water for a few minutes in the morning, and clean your aerators.

To find out if your home is scheduled for a lead service line replacement within the next 24 months, visit the Lead Water Service Line Map, search for your address, or email us at leadfreewater@grcity.us.

We’ll contact property owners 6 –12 months before a scheduled replacement at no cost. Property owners will receive a letter outlining the next steps to begin the process, including signing an agreement allowing the City to replace the lead service line on their property. After the letter is sent, we’ll follow up by phone, email, or text until we receive a signed agreement.

Once the project begins, the City’s contractor will contact the property owner to schedule the work.

The contractor will need access to your basement for a few hours to replace the pipe. Typically, the new water pipe is installed underground with minimal disruption to the yard. Property owners must provide adequate access to the water meter and plumbing. Any areas disturbed will be repaired by the contractor.

Lead pipes are replaced with copper. Copper is a safe, durable material with no known health risks.

Lead particles can remain in your plumbing after the lead line replacement is complete. Follow these instructions to flush the water line to minimize your lead exposure:

• Remove faucet aerators (screens) from your shower and bathtub.
• Beginning at the lowest level of the home, fully open all faucets and use only cold water.
• After opening the last tap on the top floor, let the water run for at least 30 minutes.
• Turn off each faucet in the order you turned them on, starting with the faucet at the lowest level of the home.
• Clean aerators. After flushing is complete, be sure to clean and reinstall your aerators. Aerators should be cleaned every six months.

Once you have finished flushing, call 311 to inform us that you have flushed the water in your home for 30 minutes. You will then receive a five-unit water credit on your next utility bill. 

Download Flushing Instructions

Yes, the City will replace the lead service line on the public side at no cost, and you are responsible for paying for the private side of the service line.

You can use a Ten-Pay program to spread the cost over 10 years at a low interest rate. Apply or learn more by contacting us at 616.456.3041

To protect the health of residents and the integrity of the City’s water system, state and federal regulations require all lead service lines to be replaced. If we are unable to replace a lead service line, water service may be shut off until the replacement can be completed.

Find more information about sources of lead in homes and available resources from the State of Michigan.

For more information about lead and lead service line replacements, call 311 or email us at leadfreewater@grand-rapids.mi.us