Lead and Copper

Your Drinking Water

The City of Detroit’s drinking water is clean and safe to drink and it meets all federal and state regulatory standards under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) tested drinking water in 2016 and found that 100 percent of the homes tested were below the EPA’s action level. The water leaving the treatment plants does not contain lead, but lead can be released into drinking water from corrosion in service lines and household plumbing that contain 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 development problems, especially for pregnant women and young children.

DWSD's Everyday Healthy Water Tips

The following are tips to help you and your family with safe drinking water practices.

  • Always use cold water for drinking and cooking.
  • Remove and clean the aerators on your faucets monthly.
  • Flushing Tips: If water has not been used in your home for six hours or more, run the water from the tap until it is cold and continue to run from the tap for an additional two minutes to get fresh water.
  • After you run the water, consider filling a pitcher with the fresh water to keep in your refrigerator for drinking.
  • If your home was built before 1950 and there is a pregnant woman or a child under 6 years of age living in the home, consider buying a filter that meets the ANSI/NSF 53 (National Sanitation Foundation) standard for lead removal. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for installing and maintaining the filter.
  • Use a ANSI/NSF 53 certified filter or bottled water if preparing formula for an infant.
  • If you see discoloration in your water, practice the flushing tips above. If you continue to see discoloration, stop using your water and call the DWSD emergency services line at 313-267-8000.