LeadPipeLookup

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Lead service lines in Detroit, MI

7 water utilities serve Detroit, with approximately 637,177 people served.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS + utility inventories: 2026-04-14
Known lead
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Galvanized
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Unknown
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% unknown
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Lead Service Lines in Detroit, MI

Detroit's water system serves about 637,000 people through 7 water utilities. The largest is Detroit City of, which provides water to roughly 633,000 residents.

What we know about lead service lines in Detroit

Lead service lines are pipes that connect the water main in the street to homes. They were common in older cities and can leach lead into drinking water, especially in soft water or when pipes corrode.

The Detroit City of water utility has not publicly reported a count of lead service lines in its system. This doesn't mean there are none—it means the inventory data is either not yet complete or not yet made public. Many cities across the US are still mapping their lead lines as required by federal law.

Why this matters for your home

If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a higher chance your service line contains lead. Even newer homes can have galvanized steel lines that may corrode over time. Lead in drinking water is a serious concern, especially for young children and pregnant people.

The only way to know if your home has a lead service line is to contact your water utility or have a plumber inspect the pipe where it enters your home.

What Detroit residents can do now

Contact Detroit City of to ask about your specific address. They may have records of your service line material, even if they haven't published a full city inventory yet. Many utilities keep this information by property address.

Get your water tested through your health department or a certified lab. Testing is often free or low-cost and tells you whether lead is actually present in your water.

Use a filter certified to reduce lead while you investigate. Look for NSF certification on the packaging.

Next steps for residents

  • Call Detroit City of at their customer service number to ask about your service line material
  • Request a free or low-cost water test through Detroit's health department
  • If lead is detected, use a certified lead-reducing filter and consider having a licensed plumber evaluate your pipes
  • Keep checking back here or your utility's website as lead line inventories are completed and updated

Utilities serving Detroit

Common questions

How do I know if I have a lead service line in Detroit?

Contact Detroit City of directly with your address—they may have records of your service line material. You can also have a licensed plumber inspect the pipe where it enters your home. Homes built before the 1980s are at higher risk.

Is Detroit's tap water safe to drink?

Detroit's water is regularly tested and treated to meet federal safety standards. However, lead can enter water through service lines and household plumbing. Get your water tested for lead through your health department to know your specific situation.

What should I do if I find out I have a lead service line?

Have your water tested for lead, use a certified lead-reducing filter, and avoid drinking hot tap water (use cold water for cooking and drinking). Consider replacing the service line with a licensed plumber, though this is expensive and not always urgent—your water test results will guide the decision.

Who pays to replace a lead service line in Michigan?

This varies. Some utilities offer rebates or cost-sharing programs. Contact Detroit City of to ask about current programs, and check if you qualify for any state or federal grants.