Lead Service Lines in Kalamazoo, MI

Lead service lines are pipes made of lead that connect your home to the public water main buried under the street. Drinking water that sits in these pipes can pick up lead, especially in homes built before the 1980s. If you're worried about lead in your tap water, this page will help you understand what's known about Kalamazoo's water system and what you can do next.

What we know about Kalamazoo

The Kalamazoo area is served by 95 public water systems, with the City of Kalamazoo supplying water to about 192,992 residents. As of now, no lead service lines have been confirmed in any of the major systems serving the area, and no systems have reported having galvanized pipes (older galvanized pipes can also contribute lead to drinking water).

However, "not yet reported" doesn't mean "none exist." Utilities are still in the process of documenting their service lines. Many systems have incomplete inventories because they haven't finished surveying all connections or reviewing old records.

How to find out about your home

The best way to know if your home has a lead service line is to:

1. Contact the City of Kalamazoo Department of Public Services or your local water utility directly. Ask if they have a lead service line inventory and whether your address is listed. 2. Request a free or low-cost water test. Even if your line is lead, you may not have a problem—it depends on water chemistry, corrosion control, and how long water sits in pipes. Testing gives you a real answer. 3. Check your home's age and records. Houses built before 1986 are more likely to have lead lines, though it's not guaranteed.

What you should know

Lead exposure is a real public health concern, especially for young children and pregnant people. If testing shows elevated lead, there are steps you can take—from using filters to having the line replaced (sometimes with utility assistance). The EPA and CDC have free guidance on reducing lead exposure at home.

Don't panic if you live in an older home. Many people with lead service lines have safe drinking water because of corrosion control programs and low lead levels in their local water. Testing is the only way to know for sure.

Next steps for residents

• Contact the City of Kalamazoo Department of Public Services to ask about your home's service line status.
• Request a free water test if available through your utility or local health department.
• Visit the EPA's Lead in Drinking Water page for guidance on filters and other protective steps.
• If you have concerns about a child's health, speak with a pediatrician or your doctor.

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