**Detroit Tap: Old Pipes Crashing Summer Guts?**
By Franklin Everett ShawThe water crisis in Flint, Michigan, cast a long shadow, forcing Detroiters to confront a harsh reality: the aging infrastructure beneath their city could be poisoning them. Summer heat intensifies the risk, as increased water usage can exacerbate lead leaching from old pipes. But knowledge is power. This guide is your hyper-local roadmap to understanding and mitigating lead pipe risks in your Detroit home.
Detroit’s older neighborhoods, particularly those built before 1950, are most vulnerable. Think of areas like Corktown, Woodbridge, Indian Village, and parts of Southwest Detroit. These areas often have a higher concentration of lead service lines – the pipes connecting your home to the city’s water main. If your home was built before 1950, there’s a significant chance you have a lead service line, or at least sections of lead piping within your home.
The first step is determining if you have lead pipes. Don’t rely solely on visual inspection. While lead pipes are typically dull gray and soft (you can gently scratch them with a key), paint and corrosion can obscure their true nature.
Here’s a DIY test: Locate the water pipe entering your home, usually in the basement. Carefully scratch the pipe with a screwdriver or key. If the exposed metal is shiny silver, it’s likely steel or copper. If it’s a dull gray that scratches easily, it could be lead. However, this is not definitive.
For a more accurate assessment, conduct a water test. Several options exist, each with varying costs and accuracy.
DIY Lead Testing Kits: These are available at most hardware stores and online retailers. Prices range from $20 to $50. They’re easy to use – you collect a water sample and mail it to a certified lab. However, their accuracy can be questionable, and they only provide a snapshot of lead levels at the time of sampling.
Certified Laboratory Testing: This is the most reliable method. Contact a state-certified laboratory directly. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) maintains a list of certified labs. Expect to pay between $30 and $100 per sample. This option provides the most accurate results and often includes detailed reports.
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) Testing: DWSD offers free lead testing to Detroit residents. This is a valuable resource, but be aware that demand can be high, leading to potential delays in receiving results.
When collecting your water sample, follow these steps carefully:
- Use a first-draw sample. This means collecting water that has been sitting in your pipes for at least six hours. The best time to collect is first thing in the morning.
- Use the correct container. Most testing kits provide a specific container. If not, use a clean, unused plastic bottle.
- Follow the instructions precisely. Each testing method has specific instructions for collection and submission. Deviating from these instructions can compromise the accuracy of the results.
A common mistake is flushing the pipes before collecting the sample. This will give you a false negative, as it removes the lead that has leached into the water overnight.
If your water test reveals elevated lead levels (above 15 parts per billion), take immediate action.
Use a certified lead-removing water filter. Look for filters certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction. Pitcher filters, faucet filters, and whole-house filters are available. Replace the filter cartridge regularly, as specified by the manufacturer.
Flush your pipes. Run cold water for several minutes before using it for drinking or cooking, especially after periods of inactivity.
Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water dissolves lead more readily than cold water.
Consider bottled water. If you are particularly concerned, use bottled water for drinking and cooking, especially for infants and young children.
Detroit offers several programs to assist residents with lead service line replacement. Navigating these programs can be challenging, but the potential benefits are significant.
DWSD’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program: This program prioritizes replacing lead service lines in areas with high lead levels and vulnerable populations. Contact DWSD directly to inquire about eligibility and enrollment. Be prepared to provide documentation, such as proof of residency and water test results.
State and Federal Funding: Michigan has received significant funding for lead abatement initiatives. Stay informed about new programs and funding opportunities through EGLE and the City of Detroit’s website.
Community Organizations: Several community organizations in Detroit offer assistance with lead testing, education, and advocacy. These organizations can provide valuable support in navigating the complex process of lead abatement. Examples include the Detroit Health Department and local community action agencies.
A major pitfall is assuming that your neighbor’s lead service line replacement means yours is also taken care of. Each property is assessed individually. Don’t rely on assumptions; take proactive steps to determine your own risk.
Summer heat exacerbates the dangers of lead contamination. Dehydration can increase the concentration of lead in the body, making individuals more susceptible to its harmful effects. Furthermore, increased water usage during the summer months can disrupt the protective scale that forms inside lead pipes, leading to increased lead leaching.
Detroit’s unique challenges require a proactive and informed approach. Don’t wait for a crisis. Take the steps outlined in this guide to protect yourself and your family from the dangers of lead in your drinking water. Contact DWSD, EGLE, and local community organizations for assistance. Your health and well-being depend on it. Remember, knowledge is your strongest defense.