Notice of the Possibility of a Lead Water Service Line

City records indicate that the water service line to this property might contain a lead pipe. A map of the city’s water service line records can be viewed at grcity.us/LSLmap. This letter serves to notify you of this risk and provides information to help you reduce your risk of lead exposure.

Health effects of lead

Tap water may contain lead if your home has a lead water service line or old plumbing and fixtures. However, the most common lead exposure in the city is from deteriorated lead-based paint and lead dust found in the home. Children under six years old living in pre-1978 housing are at the highest risk. For those who are pregnant, lead can harm the unborn baby. Parents of young children and pregnant people should consult their healthcare provider about blood lead testing. People without a healthcare provider can contact the Kent County Health Department at (616) 632-7100 to learn where to get a blood lead test. 

Steps you can take to reduce your exposure to lead in your water

Below are recommended actions you may take to reduce your exposure to lead in your drinking water.

•  Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Do not cook with or drink water from the hot water tap, as lead dissolves more easily in hot water.

• Consider using a lead-reducing filter. If the home has a lead service line, consider buying a filter that meets NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction. To use filters properly, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Third Ward residents may be eligible for a free lead-reducing water kit. For more information, visit grcity.us/LSL.

• Run your water. If you haven't used water for a few hours, run the kitchen or bathroom faucet for at least five minutes before using it for drinking or cooking.

• Clean your aerator. Remove faucet aerators at least once every six months and clean them. Small particles containing lead may accumulate on the screens.

• Check for other sources of lead. A licensed plumber can provide information about alternative lead-free approved materials for household plumbing. Visit www.epa.gov/water for more information about lead-free plumbing products.

Replacing lead service lines

In the city, we are actively replacing all lead service lines from the water main to the water meter at no cost to the property owner.  Replacements typically happen when road work is planned in the area. Once a project is planned for a street, property owners will be contacted about replacing the lead water service line on their property. No action is needed from the property owner.

Water treatment & annual lead testing

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.  Water is lead-free when it leaves the filtration plant and remains lead-free as it travels through the water mains. When water reaches a private home, it may encounter lead plumbing and fixtures. This includes the pipes that bring water to the home and the plumbing within the home.

The city tests its drinking water 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 and the federal government. 

Contact us

For more information about lead in drinking water, lead testing, or the Lead Line Replacement Program, visit grcity.us/LSL or call (616) 456-3000. To learn more about lead exposure and resources that may be available, visit gettingaheadoflead.com. 

 Sincerely,

Grand Rapids Water System