EASTPOINTE (WWJ) - The City of Eastpointe issued a public advisory to over 13,500 customers after testing revealed elevated levels of lead in the drinking water of several homes.
Officials said water samples were taken from known locations with lead service lines. Out of 60 homes, seven came back with results over the Action Level of 15 parts per billion (ppb).
"The "Action Level" is a measure of corrosion control effectiveness; it is not a health-based standard," authorities explained in a prepared statement. "The goal for lead in drinking water is 0 ppb; there is no safe level of lead in the blood."
Eastpointe officials said they are going to further investigate water quality samples as well as work to keep residents informed about possible sources of lead, how it gets into drinking water and what they can do to prevent exposures.
"The City has replaced the lead water service lines in all seven homes that had results over 15 ppb and continues to provide faucet filters, pitcher filters and replacement cartridges to Eastpointe residents," officials continued. "The City will continue to provide complimentary faucet filters and replacement cartridges to any water customer verified to have lead water service line in their home, or meets the state-mandated qualifications."
The city further said it takes "issues of water quality very seriously." Nearly 700 verified lead water service lines have been released in Eastpointe since 2020 and they expected to replace another 100 lines in the during the 2023/2024 fiscal year.
Residents who wish to learn more about lead levels and what the City is doing to reduce exposure can visit here.
Additionally, water filters and replacement cartridges are available for immediate pick-up at the Eastpointe Memorial Library, City Hall and Public Works Offices.
Library hours are Monday and Tuesday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.,
Wednesday and Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
City Hall hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Public Works hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To schedule a special pick-up date/time, residents can contact the City Manager's Office at (586) 204-3032. Additional information regarding lead can be found on the City of Eastpointe's website at EGLE and MDHHS websites: Michigan.gov/EGLELeadPublicAdvisory or Michigan.gov/MILeadSafe.
