ANN ARBOR Water System: Lead Service Line Information
Ann Arbor serves about 123,851 people in Michigan. Like many older water systems across the US, the city may have lead service lines—pipes that connect homes to the water main. Lead service lines can leach lead into drinking water, especially in homes with acidic water or after water sits unused for hours.
What we know about Ann Arbor's lead service lines
Ann Arbor has not yet published a complete inventory of its lead service lines. The city is required under federal law (the Lead and Copper Rule) to identify which homes have lead service lines, but the inventory data is not yet publicly available or has not been reported to this directory.
This does not mean your home is safe from lead—it means the city is still in the process of mapping its pipes. Many water systems, especially in older cities, have incomplete records of what's underground.
What you can do now
Check if your home is at risk. Homes built before 1980 are more likely to have lead service lines. If you know your home's age, you can get a sense of your risk level—ask your neighbors or check local property records.
Test your water. The most direct way to know if lead is in your tap water is to test it. You can request a free or low-cost test through your local health department or buy a test kit online. Lead in water is colorless and odorless, so testing is the only sure way to know.
Reduce lead exposure in the meantime. Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if water has sat in pipes overnight. Use only cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water leaches lead faster). If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about testing—the CDC has guidance on lead and health.
Contact Ann Arbor Water Department to ask about the status of the lead service line inventory and whether your address has been surveyed. They can tell you if your home is known to have a lead service line and what replacement options exist.
Next steps for residents
- Determine your home's age (built before 1980 = higher risk)
- Test your tap water for lead through your local health department or with a home test kit
- Contact Ann Arbor Water Department to ask about your specific address and the inventory timeline
- If lead is found, discuss next steps with the utility—many areas offer replacement programs or rebates
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Ann Arbor have lead in the water?
Lead in water comes from lead service lines and pipes, not from the water source itself. Ann Arbor has not yet published a complete lead service line inventory, so the full picture is unclear. Testing your tap water is the most reliable way to know if lead is present in your home.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Homes built before 1980 are at higher risk. You can contact Ann Arbor Water Department and ask if your address has been surveyed, or request records of your service line material. A plumber can also inspect the line where it enters your home.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Lead can harm brain development in children and affect adults too. For health concerns, contact your doctor or pediatrician, or visit the CDC's lead and health page. Testing and mitigation are the best ways to reduce risk.
Can I get my lead service line replaced?
Many water systems offer replacement programs or rebates, but availability and costs vary. Contact Ann Arbor Water Department to ask what programs are available and whether you qualify for financial assistance.