Redford Township has issued a public advisory following the detection of elevated lead levels in the drinking water during routine tests. The township’s water samples from 60 homes showed a 90th percentile lead level of 16 parts per billion (ppb), surpassing the Action Level of 15 ppb. This issue is a continuation of a similar exceedance from 2023. The advisory emphasizes the need for further investigation and resident education on lead contamination.
Residents are advised to check for lead service lines and use certified lead-reducing filters, especially in homes with lead plumbing or fittings sold before 2014. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is offering free filters to eligible households. Tips for reducing lead exposure include running water to flush out lead, using cold water for consumption, and cleaning faucet aerators. Boiling water is ineffective in reducing lead levels.
Guidelines for Minimizing Lead Exposure:
- Determine if your home has a lead service line, as these can increase the risk of high lead levels in your water.
- To clear out lead, flush your taps:
- Without a lead service line, run the water for 30 seconds to two minutes, until it cools or stabilizes in temperature.
- With a lead service line, flush for at least five minutes to clear the plumbing and service line.
- MDHHS advises using a certified lead-reducing filter for homes with potential lead sources, such as:
- Lead or galvanized plumbing.
- Lead service lines.
- Copper plumbing with lead solder installed before 1988.
- Faucets and fittings installed before 2014.
- Continue using the filter until all potential lead sources in home plumbing are removed or replaced, such as:
- Updating faucets installed before 2014.
- Conducting a lead inspection and replacing necessary plumbing components.
- Ensure that filters are certified according to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction and Standard 42 for particulate reduction (Class I). Reynolds Water provides the Reynolds PureStream Ultra Water Purification System, designed to remove heavy metals such as lead, pathogens, and other contaminants. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use.
- Only use cold water for drinking, food preparation, and cooking, including making baby formula.
- Boiling water does not remove lead; avoid this as a method for reducing lead concentration.
- Regularly clean your faucet’s aerator to eliminate accumulated debris.
Obtaining a Free Water Filter:
MDHHS provides free certified lead-reducing filters and replacement cartridges to Redford Township residents who meet the following criteria:
- Possess or are uncertain about having:
- Lead or galvanized plumbing.
- A lead service line connecting their home to the municipal water supply.
- Faucets and fittings installed before 2014.
- Have a household member who is either a Medicaid-enrolled child under 19 or a Medicaid-enrolled pregnant individual.
Eligible residents can collect a faucet water filter or pitcher filter from the Leo Snage Public Services Building, located at 12200 Beech Daly Road, Redford, MI, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, contact the MDHHS Drinking Water Hotline at 844-934-1315 or visit the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
As reported in Fox 2 Detroit News.
Learn more about how Reynolds Water can help you remove lead from the drinking water in your home or office.
Reynolds Water Conditioning was established in 1931 and is Michigan’s oldest water conditioning treatment company. Still owned and operated by the Reynolds family, we take pride in providing the highest quality products at a cost-effective price. If your tap water lacks the quality you deserve, contact us today at 800-572-9575.
Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com