The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) estimates there are more than 80,000 lead service lines delivering water to homes in Detroit. In the city of Detroit, lead service lines are most likely to be found in single-family homes built before 1945.

Confirm you have a lead service line with this NPR tool

Add Your Home to the Lead Service Line Replacement Wait List

The water leaving the treatment plants that serve the city of Detroit does not contain lead, but lead can be released into drinking water from corrosion in lead service lines and household plumbing that contains lead. The water provided to DWSD customers contains a corrosion inhibitor to reduce corrosion of lead and other pipe materials into drinking water. If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health and developmental problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Since 2018, DWSD has been working to verify lead service lines and replace them as part of the Asset Management Program.

 

Do You Have a Lead Service Line?

As the Detroit Water & Sewerage Department (DWSD) continues to update our Verified Service Line Inventory records for the City of Detroit, we are also seeking grant funding for additional lead service line replacements, and your assistance in the verification process can be helpful to both you and your neighbors. DWSD continues to replace the existing lead service lines – the pipe providing water to a home from the water main – while on the same block as the water main replacement project. When your block comes up on the schedule, or if a grant funding is awarded to DWSD to perform individual lead service line replacement, we will notify you. Please note that completing this verification form does not guarantee DWSD will be able to replace your lead service line in the near future as that is dependent upon funding resources.

Before you complete the verification form, follow this online tool created by NPR to determine if you have a lead service line. During these steps, please take a photo of your service line taken near your basement wall or floor where the pipe enters your home to then upload when you submit the DWSD verification form.
 
Submit Your Lead Service Line Verification

Lead Service Line Replacement

• Do I have a lead service line? Use this online tool to find out.
• When can I get my lead service line replaced?
  • DWSD is replacing lead service lines throughout Detroit on a first come, first serve basis. Add your home to the lead service line replacement wait list now.
  • DWSD will replace the lead service line, with homeowner/occupant permission, when workers are on your block replacing the water main. If water main replacement is taking place in your neighborhood, you will be notified in advance of construction beginning.
• How will I know if my street is next? The timing of outreach to your property will be dependent on the construction schedule and as funding becomes available. 
• How can I get my water tested? DWSD, in partnership with the Great Lakes Water Authority, will test for lead in the water at no charge at homes where a child has tested positive for elevated blood lead levels, or when DWSD is replacing a lead service line. Learn more at the Lead and Water Testing page, submit this online form or complete and download this form.

 

Lead Testing

To request for your water to be tested, please visit detroitmi.gov/DWSD and search “lead and copper sample request form”. If you do not have internet access, please call 313-267-8000 for further assistance. 

Lead and Copper Sample Request Form

Lead and Copper Sample Request Form

. The participating household must collect the tap water sample by adhering to the provided instructions.  Any home where a collected sample has over 10 parts per billion of lead will be provided a water filter that meets the ANSI/NSF 53 standard for lead removal. 

Detroit Health Department Lead Prevention and Intervention Program

(313) 876-0133

DWSD Lead Safe Hotline

(313) 267-8000

DWSD Public Affairs

dwsd-publicaffairs@detroitmi.gov