Michigan’s Push to Meet New Federal Lead Standards for Drinking Water
In an effort to enhance public health safety, Michigan is adapting to new federal regulations that will lower the permissible lead levels in drinking water. By November 2027, the state must comply with a nationwide mandate reducing the action level for lead from the current 15 parts per billion (ppb) to 10 ppb.
Michigan has already taken proactive steps by setting its own lead standard to 12 ppb, effective January 2025, which is a significant move compared to the federal requirement. This decision follows the notorious Flint water crisis, which highlighted the dangers of lead contamination in water supplies. For further details, visit Michigan’s official lead results report.
Aislinn Deely, the Lead and Copper Rule Specialist from the Department of Environment and Energy, emphasized the importance of addressing lead issues at their origin. “The whole point is to remove sources of lead because you can’t have lead in your drinking water if there isn’t a source present,” Deely stated.
Lead can infiltrate drinking water systems through corrosion of lead-containing pipes, as well as from older household faucets and fixtures. The Environmental Protection Agency maintains that there is no safe level of lead in drinking water.
Elin Betanzo, President of Safe Water Engineering, elaborated on the widespread impact of the new regulations. “Pretty much every household has lead in its household plumbing, so everybody benefits when we get better corrosion control throughout the other water systems even if they don’t have lead service lines,” Betanzo explained.
Water systems are employing corrosion control techniques to minimize lead leaching from old plumbing into drinking water. If a water system exceeds the action level, it is required to notify its users. However, Betanzo pointed out that the communication from water systems can sometimes be unclear, leaving residents uncertain about necessary precautions.
“Water systems that aren’t getting a lot of great coverage, a lot of residents don’t get the information. The information will say things like lead was detected at a limited number of homes. They will imply that the water quality issue is not widespread; they’re not using language that would trigger residents to take action to protect themselves,” Betanzo noted.
To mitigate lead exposure, Betanzo suggested using certified lead-reducing water filters. “We don’t have to wait for water utilities to come into compliance. There are certified lead reducing filters that are available. There are pitcher styles, faucet mount styles, the ones that go in your refrigerator. All of these are excellent ways of removing lead from your drinking water,” she advised.
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