Lead Service Line Inventory Program
The City of Warren has some lead service lines (LSL) delivering water to homes throughout the City’s water distribution system. These homes with a lead service were built before the 1950’s and normally found in single-family residents.
The City of Warren’s water comes from the Detroit Water System known as GLWA. All water test results have shown that GLWA water does not contain lead, but lead can be released into drinking water from corrosion in service lines and household plumbing that contain lead. The water provided by GLWA to the City of Warren contains a corrosion inhibitor to reduce corrosion of lead and other pipe materials into drinking water. The City of Warren tested for lead in water in 2017, and 100% of the homes tested measured lead below the EPA’s action level. The City of Warren is implementing a plan to remove all LSLs to eliminate the largest potential source of lead in drinking water.
Part I
Lead Service Line Inventory
The City of Warren is currently at this level of the program. The City of Warren is redeveloping its service line inventory and confirming the locations of LSLs throughout the city. The Water Division is reviewing existing records, coordinating with other city departments that conduct building inspections, and collecting service line information during meter visits to customers’ homes to identify service line material. As the service line inventory improves, customers will be provided information on their service line material. The City of Warren will test for lead in the water at no charge at homes where a child has tested positive for elevated blood lead levels, or when the City is replacing/repairing a lead service line.
If the City of Warren is replacing and/or repairing a lead service line at your home, you will be notified directly for sampling opportunities and requirements. In order to complete this task, we request for you complete the form below and return to the Water Division to ensure all LSL’s have to be accounted for and replaced according to all federal and state guidelines. Lead and Copper Request Form.
The City of Warren owns and maintains service lines from the water main up to the customer’s property boundary, most often at the curb stop or stop box (service line shut off). The property owner is responsible for the service lines from their property boundary (stop box) to their home. The City of Warren replaces all LSLs as part of all planned water main replacement projects. In the past, the City of Warren has replaced its portion of LSLs up to the property boundary (stop box) as part of all planned water main replacement projects, leaving the service line intact on the private side. This process is commonly referred to as “partial LSL replacement.” EPA and the MDEQ have changed and modified water service line responsibilities and directed water utility companies the responsibility of the service line replacement from the water main to the water meter. The City of Warren’s updated LSL Replacement Program eliminates partial replacements and the entire LSL is replaced with copper pipe as part of all planned water main replacement projects. Homeowners and residents will need to sign a waiver to have the work completed on their property.
Part II
Prioritization and Full Implementation
Once the legal, funding, and technical procedures for full LSL replacement are fully developed and tested through Inventory, the City of Warren will develop a prioritization plan, schedule, and budget for replacing all LSLs across the city. The strategy will prioritize replacement projects in neighborhoods with a high density of LSLs.
CONTACT
City of Warren Water Division
(586) 759-9200
Email leadout@cityofwarren.org