Grand Rapids, MI · PWSID MI0002790
Grand Rapids lead service lines
19,430 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Grand Rapids reported 19,430 lead and 0 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 79,966 in its inventory. That's 24% of all its lines. Another 394 (0.5%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #2 of 319 Michigan systems with confirmed lead lines, and #18 nationally.
24% of Grand Rapids'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 24%
- Galvanized (replace) 0%
- Unknown 0.5%
- Non-lead 75%
Total service lines reported: 79,966. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 306,901; 81,816 connections.
Lead test results
Grand Rapids's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (2025) was 7 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 19,430 in 2025 Q1 to 19,430 in 2026 Q3: no change. Lines of unknown material went from 394 to 394, 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 Grand Rapids 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
Grand Rapids's main water source is surface water (rivers, lakes or reservoirs). It sells water to 8 other water systems: Ada Township, Allendale Township, Coopersville, East Grand Rapids, Grand Haven Township, Polkton Township, Port Sheldon Township, Corewellhealth GR Kalamazoo.
Source: EPA SDWIS water system and facility records.
Replacement program
Free when scheduled; otherwise owner pays
Grand Rapids pays for full replacements during water main or road projects and emergency leaks. If your line isn't scheduled and you want it replaced now, you pay, and the Ten-Pay program spreads the cost over ten years.
- Search your address on the Lead Water Service Line Map to see if you're scheduled within 24 months.
- Email leadfreewater@grcity.us or call 311.
- Ask about the Ten-Pay program for voluntary replacement.
Checked November 2026. Sources: grandrapidsmi.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.
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 Grand Rapids 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 Kent County
Cities served
ZIP codes served
ZIP codes whose center falls inside Grand Rapids's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
4950349504495054950649507495124952549546
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | 0 | 0 |
| Plainfield Township | 0 | 0 |
| Grandville | 100 | 0 |
| East Grand Rapids | 433 | 1,285 |
| Rockford | 401 | 0 |
| Lowell | 95 | 387 |
| Sparta | 56 | 49 |
| Glenwood Estates | 0 | 186 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does Grand Rapids have lead pipes?
Yes. Grand Rapids reported 19,430 lead service lines and 0 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 79,966 total. 394 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on Grand Rapids'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 Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids had lead violations?
EPA's data shows no Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015 for Grand Rapids.
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, "Grand Rapids lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/mi/grand-rapids/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.