The Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act has changed to better protect your health. New water sampling rules have been added to better detect possible lead in your drinking water. These changes require communities with lead service lines to do more sampling. The new sampling method is expected to result in higher lead results, not because the water source or quality for residents has changed, but because the act has more stringent sampling procedures and analysis.
The City continues to provide public education material to every water customer in Harper Woods. As in the past, important information will also be included in the Annual Consumer’s Confidence Water Quality Report.
In 2023, we collected samples from 30 homes. The EGLE evaluates compliance with the Action Level based on the 90th percentile of all lead and copper results collected in each round of sampling. The lead 90th percentile for the City’s water supply is 47 parts per billion (ppb), which exceeds the Action Level of 15 ppb. The “Action Level” is a measure of corrosion control effectiveness; it is not a health-based standard. The goal for lead in drinking water is 0 ppb; there is no safe level of lead in the blood.
We will be collecting samples from 60 homes every six months. Testing the same homes in each round will help us determine if corrective actions are necessary to reduce corrosion in household plumbing. To assist us in our efforts, contact us at (313) 343-2570 to participate in our drinking water testing program.
Please be on the look out for the red “testing required” door tags and call to schedule delivery of sample bottles as soon as possible.
At this time only homes with LEAD service lines are being tested per EGLE. Taking these samples helps us keep your drinking water safe ~ PLEASE participate to keep us from being in violation of EPA requirements.
If you have questions, concerns, need information on, or can provide us with information on the service line material in your home or business, please contact the Public Works Department, Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 3:00pm.
For more information on reducing lead exposure around your home/building and the health effects of lead, visit the City’s website at www.harperwoodscity.org, the EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/lead, the EGLE website at www.michigan.gov/deqleadpublicadvisory or call the National Lead Information Center at 800-424-LEAD, or contact your health care provider.
