Detroit, MI · PWSID MI0001800
City of Detroit lead service lines
80,715 lead or galvanized lines to replace
City of Detroit reported 80,595 lead and 120 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 251,531 in its inventory. That's 32% of all its lines. Another 39,073 (16%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #1 of 319 Michigan systems with confirmed lead lines, and #4 nationally.
32% of City of Detroit's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement. That's higher than the Michigan average (9.8%) and higher than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 32%
- Galvanized (replace) <0.1%
- Unknown 16%
- Non-lead 52%
Total service lines reported: 251,531. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 633,218; 237,000 connections.
Lead test results
City of Detroit's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (2025) was 7.5 ppb, below both the 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level that takes effect in 2027. This means 90% of homes sampled were at or below that level; individual homes, especially those with lead lines, can be higher.
Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile results reported to EPA, in parts per billion. Dashed lines: 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level from November 1, 2027.
Progress since 2025 Q1
Reported lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines went from 80,715 in 2025 Q1 to 80,715 in 2026 Q3: no change. Lines of unknown material went from 39,073 to 39,073, no change.
Quarterly counts reported to EPA. A drop usually means lines were replaced or confirmed non-lead; a rise usually means more lines were identified. Replacement progress rankings.
Lead rule violations
EPA's data lists no Lead and Copper Rule violations for City of Detroit since 2015. That covers testing, reporting, corrosion control and public notice requirements; it isn't a guarantee about any individual home.
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
City of Detroit's main water source is purchased surface water. It buys treated water from Great Lakes Water Authority. The seller treats the water, including corrosion control that keeps lead from dissolving out of pipes, while City of Detroit is responsible for its own service line inventory and replacement program.
Source: EPA SDWIS water system and facility records.
Replacement program
Free, block by block
DWSD replaces lead service lines with copper at no cost to residents, with the owner's or occupant's permission, as it replaces water mains block by block. DWSD contacts residents before work reaches their neighborhood.
- Check your address on DWSD's service line map.
- Sign the permission form when DWSD contacts you.
- Call DWSD at 313-267-8000 with questions.
Checked November 2026. Sources: detroitmi.gov. Programs and funding change, so confirm with the utility. Programs in other cities.
Check your own address
These counts cover the whole system. To see whether your line is lead, use the utility's address-level inventory. Utilities had to prepare one by October 16, 2024 and make it publicly accessible; systems serving more than 50,000 people must post it online.
Official utility link, checked November 2026.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test on the pipe where water enters your home.
Protect your drinking water now
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, filter water for drinking, cooking and baby formula. Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead. Run cold water for a few minutes after it sits for hours, and never use hot tap water for cooking.
How to pick a lead-certified filter · How to test your water for lead
Getting the line replaced
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask City of Detroit whether it replaces the private side for free or with a cost share before you hire anyone. If you want it done sooner, or your utility doesn't cover your side, a licensed plumber can quote it. What replacement costs.
County pages: Lead pipes in Wayne County
Cities served
ZIP codes served
ZIP codes whose center falls inside City of Detroit's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
482014820248203482044820548206482084820948210482114821248213482144821548217482214822348224482264822748228482344823548238
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| Dearborn | 5,271 | 4,625 |
| Lincoln Park | 2,647 | 0 |
| Southgate | 9,927 | 663 |
| Hamtramck | 834 | 4,551 |
| Harper Woods | 872 | 1,597 |
| Grosse Pointe Park | 2,000 | 13 |
| Ecorse | 1,818 | 403 |
| Highland Park | 2,828 | 0 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does City of Detroit have lead pipes?
Yes. City of Detroit reported 80,595 lead service lines and 120 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 251,531 total. 39,073 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on City of Detroit's official service line inventory, which utilities must make publicly available. You can also scratch the pipe where it enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and does not attract a magnet.
When will City of Detroit replace lead service lines?
Under EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, most systems must replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037, starting from November 1, 2027. The rule is being challenged in court, so dates could change. Many utilities run free or cost-share programs now.
Has City of Detroit had lead violations?
EPA's data shows no Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015 for City of Detroit.
Which water filters remove lead?
Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction, or NSF/ANSI 58 for reverse osmosis. Check the certification on NSF's listings, not just the box.
Embed or cite this data
Local news sites, blogs and community groups can embed this card. It updates when EPA releases new data.
Citation: Lead Pipe Map, "City of Detroit lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/mi/city-of-detroit/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.