Lead Service Lines in Warren, MI
Warren serves about 134,000 people through three water systems. The largest is the City of Warren, which supplies the vast majority of residents.
What we know about lead service lines in Warren
The data on lead service lines in Warren is currently incomplete. None of the three water systems serving the area have reported confirmed lead service line counts to the state—which means either testing hasn't been completed, results haven't been published yet, or no lead lines have been found. This is common; many Michigan utilities are still in the early stages of inventory work.
Lead service lines are pipes that connect your home to the main water line under the street. If your line is made of lead, water can pick up lead as it travels to your tap. This is the most direct route for lead to enter drinking water.
What you should do now
Contact your water utility directly. They can tell you:
- Whether your home has a lead service line
- What testing they've done so far
- Whether they have an inventory timeline
The City of Warren water department is your primary contact if you live within city limits. Call or visit their website to ask about your specific address—they may have records that aren't yet public.
If you're concerned about lead in your water, the EPA recommends a simple first step: flush your tap by running cold water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking or cooking. This clears water that's been sitting in pipes overnight. For more guidance on reducing exposure, visit the CDC's lead and drinking water page.
If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about testing. Lead exposure can affect development, and a healthcare provider can advise you on next steps.
Next steps for residents
- Contact the City of Warren Water Department to ask about your home's service line material
- Request a free water test kit if one is available through your utility
- Flush your tap before drinking water, especially if it's been unused for several hours
- Visit the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for statewide lead service line resources