DWSD Director Gary Brown talks with contractors on the site of a water and sewer upgrade project, which includes lead service line replacement.
Michigan’s Revised Lead & Copper Rule and Detroit’s Test Results DWSD reported in November 2019 that its results for the
Due to the procedural changes in Michigan’s revised Lead
revised Lead and Copper Rule compliance testing is 10 parts
and Copper Rule, most communities are expected to see an
per billion (ppb), which is under the state action level for lead
increase in the results in 2019 compared with previous years.
remediation.
Fifty-four homes tested in Detroit had lead results
All communities with lead service lines — Detroit has an
below the action level of 15 ppb. Only one home tested
estimated 77,197 (311,000 total service lines which includes
above the action level. The first liter sampled from the
28,922 with unknown pipe material and 77,197 likely lead)
home exceeding the action level was at 114 ppb. The fifth
— must sample tap water in homes with lead service lines
liter sample at the same home was 6 ppb. The resident was
as required by EGLE and the EPA. In Summer 2019, DWSD
notified, and provided flushing instructions, a pitcher filter
collected water samples from 55 homes with lead service
with a replacement cartridge, instruction on cleaning faucet
lines. The 90th percentile of samples was 10 ppb. which is
aerators monthly, and a plumbing inspection by DWSD
under the action level of 15 ppb. It increased from DWSD’s
personnel to identify plumbing components that need to
last report of 4 ppb in 2016. A water supply exceeds the action
be replaced.
level if more than 10% of all samples is over the action level. 8 DETROIT WATER AND SEWERAGE DEPARTMENT / 2019 WATER QUALITY REPORT
