GARDEN CITY, Mich. – Garden City recently discovered elevated levels of lead in the drinking water of some homes and buildings in the community.
Lead exposure can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children.
Garden City officials said they conduct periodic testing of tap water for lead and copper.
In the latest round, samples from 59 homes showed a lead 90th percentile level of 18 parts per billion (ppb), exceeding the state’s Action Level of 12 ppb.
The Action Level is a measure of corrosion control effectiveness, not a health-based standard.
Garden City officials stated that the goal is to achieve zero lead in drinking water, as there is no safe level of lead in the blood.
An Action Level exceedance means more than 10% of tested homes had lead levels above 12 ppb.
In Garden City, 14 sites exceeded this level, triggering additional actions, including educational outreach, ongoing water testing every six months, and replacement of lead service lines —the pipes connecting homes to the water main.
Lead can enter drinking water through contact with lead pipes, solder, plumbing, fittings, or fixtures containing lead.
Homes with lead service lines are at higher risk.
The longer water sits in pipes, the more lead it may contain.
Residents are advised to run water before drinking or cooking, especially if the water has been unused for several hours or if the home has been vacant.
To reduce lead exposure, Garden City recommends:
Learn your service line material by contacting the city at 734-793-1800 or a licensed plumber. Homes with lead or galvanized pipes have an increased risk of contamination.
Use certified lead-reducing water filters if your home has lead plumbing or if you’re unsure. Filters should meet NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction and Standard 42 for particulate reduction.
Run cold water for 30 seconds to two minutes if there is no lead service line, or at least five minutes if you have a lead service line.
Use cold water for drinking and cooking; hot water can dissolve lead more easily and should not be filtered.
Boiling water does not remove lead; filter cold water before boiling if needed.
Clean faucet aerators regularly to remove debris.
Stay informed about local construction that may disturb pipes and increase lead release.
Parents are encouraged to have their children tested for lead in blood, as lead exposure can lower IQ, reduce attention span, and cause learning or behavior problems.
Pregnant women exposed to lead risk adverse effects for their children.
Adults can face increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney issues, or nervous system issues.
Lead exposure can come from multiple sources, including air, soil, and paint.
Consult your family doctor or local health department for blood testing and advice.
Garden City said they are committed to:
Conducting additional lead and water quality monitoring
Continuing lead monitoring every six months
Replacing lead service lines in the community
Residents who wish to have their service line inspected or have their water tested can contact the Garden City Department of Public Works at 734-793-1800 or visit Michigan.gov/EGLELab for certified lab listings.
Food establishments should visit Michigan.gov/MDARDLeadInfo for specific guidance.
A comprehensive public education document will be sent soon.
The city will continue sampling 60 homes every six months and will resolve the Action Level exceedance after two consecutive rounds show lead and copper levels below the action levels.
For more information, visit Garden City’s website or the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) websites at Michigan.gov/EGLELeadPublicAdvisory, Michigan.gov/MILeadSafe, and Michigan.gov/GetAheadOfLead.
The DHHS Drinking Water Hotline is available at 844-934-1315.
Please share this information with others who drink Garden City water, especially those in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses, by posting or distributing copies.
This notice is sent by Garden City.
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