Lead Service Lines in Flint, MI

Flint's water system serves about 178,000 residents across 81 water systems. If you're concerned about lead in your home's water pipes, this page explains what we know and how to find out about your specific address.

What we know about lead pipes in Flint

Lead service lines—the pipes that connect your home to the water main—are a real issue in Flint. The city experienced widespread water quality problems starting in 2014, when the water source changed and corrosion control measures were inadequate. Lead leached from pipes into drinking water at levels that alarmed public health officials and residents.

The five largest water systems serving Flint are:

• City of Flint (serves 81,252 people)
• Genesee County Water System (serves 73,726 people)
• Beecher Metropolitan District (serves 9,400 people)
• Hurley Medical Center (serves 2,750 people)
• Kearsley Armstrong Middle School (serves 773 people)

Currently, we don't have a published count of how many lead service lines exist in these systems. This data gap is common nationwide—many utilities are still conducting inventories required by federal law.

Why this matters for your home

Lead exposure, especially for children and pregnant people, can affect brain development and health. Even low levels matter. If your home was built before 1986, there's a higher chance you have a lead service line or lead-containing pipes inside your home.

Flint has made progress on water treatment since 2014, but replacing lead service lines is a slow process. Knowing your status is the first step to protecting your family.

How to find out if you have a lead service line

Contact your water utility directly. They maintain records of service line materials for your address:

• City of Flint: (810) 766-7760 or visit the city's water quality pages
• Genesee County Water System: Contact the system for your specific area

Ask specifically: "Is my service line made of lead, copper, galvanized steel, or another material?"

You can also request a free or low-cost water test through your local health department. Testing your water is not the same as knowing your pipe material, but it's useful information.

Next steps for residents

• Call your water utility with your address and ask about your service line material
• Get your water tested through your local health department if you have young children or are pregnant
• Ask about replacement programs — Flint and Genesee County have offered assistance for lead service line replacement in some areas
• Use a certified filter if your water tests positive for lead (look for NSF/ANSI 53 certification)

```json [ { "q": "Does Flint have lead in the water now?", "a": "Flint's water treatment has improved since 2014, but lead service lines still exist in many homes. Whether lead appears in your tap water depends on your pipes, water chemistry, and how long water sits in those pipes. Testing your water is the only way to know for sure." }, { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line in Flint?", "a": "Contact your water utility with your address. The City of Flint and Genesee County Water System keep records of service line materials. You can also hire a plumber to inspect your line, though this is more expensive." }, { "q": "Can I get my lead service line replaced for free in Flint?", "a": "Flint and surrounding areas have offered rebates and grants for lead service line replacement through various programs, but availability and eligibility change. Contact the City of Flint's water department or your local utility to ask about current assistance programs." }, { "q": "