Lead Service Lines in Pontiac, Michigan

What you need to know

Pontiac serves about 63,776 people. Like many older US water systems, Pontiac may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect your home to the water main under the street.

Lead service lines can leach lead into drinking water, especially in homes built before 1986 or with certain water chemistry conditions. Even small amounts matter, particularly for children and pregnant people.

Current inventory status

Pontiac has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in the system. This means the utility doesn't yet have a public count of confirmed lead lines, non-lead lines, or lines awaiting testing.

If you want to know the status of your specific address, contact Pontiac Water Department directly. They can tell you what type of service line serves your home and whether testing has been done.

What Pontiac is doing

Federal rules now require all water systems to map their service lines and share that information with customers. Pontiac is working toward that goal, though the timeline and progress details aren't yet public on this site.

You can ask your utility for:

• Whether your service line has been identified
• Test results for lead at your meter or tap
• Cost-sharing programs for replacement if lead is found

Protect yourself in the meantime

While waiting for full inventory data:

• Run cold water first. Let it flow for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if the water has sat unused overnight.
• Use cold water for baby formula and cooking. Hot water dissolves lead faster.
• Get a test. Some health departments offer free or low-cost tap water testing. Your pediatrician can also advise on health screening if you're concerned.

Learn more about lead and health at the CDC's lead in drinking water page.

Next steps for residents

• Contact Pontiac Water Department to ask about your service line status and request a tap water test
• If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your doctor about health screening
• Look into whether your state or county offers free water testing or line replacement assistance
• Check back on LeadPipeLookup for updates as Pontiac completes its inventory

Does Pontiac water have lead?

Pontiac hasn't finished mapping all its lead service lines yet, so there's no complete picture. Some homes may have lead lines, especially older ones. Contact your water utility to ask about your specific address and get a tap water test.

How do I know if my house has a lead service line?

Call Pontiac Water Department and give them your address. They can tell you what material your service line is made of. You can also look at the pipe visible where it enters your home, though a professional inspection is more reliable.

Is it safe to drink Pontiac tap water?

Pontiac treats its water and monitors it for safety. However, lead can enter from old pipes. Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking if it's been sitting, use cold water for cooking, and consider a tap test if you're worried.

What should I do if my child was exposed to lead in water?

Talk to your pediatrician. They can order a blood lead test if appropriate. The CDC has resources on lead health effects at cdc.gov/drinking-water.