HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – Hamtramck has found elevated lead levels in the drinking water of some homes and buildings.
Lead exposure can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children.
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Residents are urged to review safety information carefully and take steps to reduce lead in their drinking water.
The city conducts periodic testing of tap water for lead and copper.
Recently, samples were collected from 59 homes.
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) evaluates compliance based on the 90th percentile of lead and copper results. Hamtramck’s lead 90th percentile was 13 parts per billion (ppb), exceeding the Action Level of 12 ppb.
The “Action Level” measures corrosion control effectiveness and is not a health-based standard.
The goal is zero lead in drinking water, as there is no safe level of lead in the blood.
An Action Level exceedance (ALE) means more than 10% of homes tested have lead levels above 12 ppb.
Because seven sites exceeded this level, Hamtramck is taking additional actions, including educational outreach, ongoing sampling every six months, and replacing lead service lines—the pipes connecting homes to the water main.
Lead exposure can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children may experience decreased IQ and attention span, new or worsened learning and behavior problems, and risks to children of pregnant persons exposed before or during pregnancy.
Adults face increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney problems, and nervous system problems.
Lead can enter drinking water through contact with pipes, solder, plumbing, fittings, and fixtures containing lead.
Homes with lead service lines are at higher risk. Water sitting in pipes for several hours can accumulate lead, so running water before use helps flush out lead-containing water.
Longer flushing may be needed for vacant homes or those with longer service lines.
How to reduce lead exposure in drinking water:
- Learn your service line material by contacting Hamtramck at (313) 800-5233 or a licensed plumber.
- Use a certified lead-reducing drinking water filter if your home has lead plumbing, lead service lines, copper plumbing with lead solder before 1988, or old faucets/fittings sold before 2014. Filters should be NSF/ANSI Standard 53 and 42 certified and used per manufacturer instructions.
- Run water to flush lead-containing water: 30 seconds to 2 minutes if no lead service line; at least 5 minutes if a lead service line is present.
- Use cold water for drinking, cooking, and baby formula, as hot water dissolves lead more easily and should not be run through filters.
- Boiling water does not remove lead; filter cold water before boiling if needed.
- Clean faucet aerators regularly to remove debris.
- Stay informed about construction in the neighborhood that may disturb service lines by contacting Hamtramck at (313) 822-5233.
Hamtramck participates in the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Faucet and Filter Safety Net Program.
Eligible households include those in designated cities with lead or galvanized plumbing, lead service lines, or old faucets, as well as Medicaid-enrolled children under 19 or pregnant persons.
Eligible residents can apply for assistance by completing a Lead Services Application or by calling the MDHHS Drinking Water Hotline at (844) 934-1315.
Families are encouraged to have children tested for lead in their blood. Drinking water is not the only source of lead; it can also be found in air, soil, and paint.
Pediatricians, family doctors, and health departments can provide blood testing and information on lead exposure.
Hamtramck is actively working to:
- Determine a corrosion control treatment strategy
- Conduct additional lead and water quality monitoring
- Increase lead monitoring efforts
- Remove lead service lines