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Lead in Michigan Communities’ Drinking Water Demands ‘All Hands on Deck’ Response, Experts Say
Experts say more aggressive corrosion control, lead line replacement and public alerts are needed as eight GLWA communities still exceeded limits in 2025.
Twenty-Five Metro Detroit communities have exceeded Michigan's lead action level for drinking water since 2018, according to state compliance data. All affected systems receive water treated by the Great Lakes Water Authority .
Although GLWA treats water with corrosion-inhibiting orthophosphate, many member communities still possess lead service lines. Engineer Elin Betanzo noted this creates two classes of customers with unequal risks.
In 2025, GLWA communities were the only Michigan water systems with documented lead service lines exceeding the 12 ppb action level. Advocates say immediate action like filter distribution remains necessary.
The American Water Works Association sued the Environmental Protection Agency over 2024 rule revisions, arguing the mandate is "neither feasible nor cost-effective" for utilities.
New federal Lead and Copper Rule updates taking effect after November 1, 2027, will require communities with three or more exceedances in five years to provide filters. This aims to protect residents from lead exposure.