In Redford Township, Michigan, public health advisors have issued a warning about increased lead content in drinking water. This warning follows an identification of increased lead levels in routine water test samples taken from several homes in the township.
According to the public advisory, the lead percentile for the township’s tested water supply equated to 16 parts per billion (ppb), exceeding the Action Level of 15 ppb. This is a continuation of the exceedance witnessed in 2023 which necessitates further investigation into the water quality and intensive public education regarding lead in drinking water.
Residents of Redford Township have been provided with suggestions to minimize the risk of lead exposure from water and are offered free filters by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services under certain eligibility.
How to Reduce Lead Exposure:
- Check if your home has a lead service line as these homes face an increased risk of high lead levels in drinking water.
- Run water for at least 30 seconds to two minutes to flush out lead-containing water. In homes with lead service lines, the water should be run for at least 5 minutes.
- Use certified drinking water filters if your household has or is uncertain of having sources of lead, such as lead or galvanized plumbing, old faucets and fittings sold before 2014, and copper plumbing with lead solder before 1988.
- Replacing pre-2014 faucets and relevant plumbing after a detailed lead inspection.
Note: These filters should be used till sources of household lead plumbing are successfully removed. These filters should be certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction and NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for particulate reduction (Class I).
Avoid using hot water for drinking, preparing food, and cooking. Also, boiling water does not reduce the amount of lead in it. Flush your faucet aerator frequently to remove trapped debris.
Getting a Free Water Filter:
Free certified lead-reducing filters and replacement cartridges are being offered to Redford Township households that fulfill specific eligibility criteria:
- The household must include a Medicaid-enrolled child or children under 19 or a Medicaid-enrolled pregnant person.
- The household must either have or be unsure if they have lead or galvanized plumbing, a lead service line carrying water from the street to their residence, or old faucets and fittings that were sold before 2014.
