Lead Service Lines in Ann Arbor, MI

Ann Arbor and surrounding areas are served by 64 public water systems, with about 168,430 people connected to these utilities. The largest is the City of Ann Arbor system, serving roughly 123,851 residents, followed by Pittsfield Township (24,500), Scio Township (8,500), and several smaller systems.

What we know about lead in Ann Arbor's water systems

Lead service lines are pipes that connect your home to the water main buried under the street. If present, they can leach lead into your tap water, especially if water sits in pipes overnight or if the water is corrosive.

Currently, no lead service lines have been confirmed in the inventories we track for Ann Arbor's public water systems. However, many utilities have not yet completed a full survey of their service lines, so the absence of reported lead doesn't necessarily mean none exist—it may mean the data is still being gathered.

How to find your water system's lead inventory

Your water utility is required by federal law to maintain a lead service line inventory and make it available to the public. To see what your specific utility knows:

1. Find your utility. Identify which system serves your address. Most Ann Arbor residents are served by the City of Ann Arbor, but if you live in a township or subdivision, you may be on a different system. 2. Request the inventory. Contact your utility directly and ask for their lead service line inventory or the most recent lead and copper rule assessment report. 3. Ask about your home. Utilities can often tell you whether your property is known to have a lead service line, or whether it's still unknown.

What to do if you're concerned about lead

If your water utility cannot confirm your service line material, or if it's known to be lead, you have options:

• Get your water tested through your local health department or a certified lab ($15–50 typically).
• Use a point-of-use filter certified to reduce lead (NSF/ANSI Standard 53 or 42) while you investigate further.
• Flush your taps before drinking or cooking: let water run for 30 seconds to 2 minutes if it hasn't been used for several hours.
• Consult a pediatrician if you have young children; they can discuss any health concerns specific to your situation.

For health questions, the CDC and your local health department are authoritative sources.

Next steps for residents

• Contact your water utility and ask for their lead service line inventory
• Request information about whether your property has a lead or galvanized service line
• If the line is unknown or confirmed lead, consider getting your water tested
• Review your utility's most recent annual water quality report (also called a CCR, or Consumer Confidence Report)

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