Detroit – Michigan
The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), in partnership with the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD), serves over 670,000 residents in Detroit and 3.9 million people across southeastern Michigan with water from the Great Lakes. The system includes approximately 3,000 miles of water mains in Detroit proper, multiple treatment plants, and hundreds of pumping stations, delivering roughly 600 million gallons daily to one of the Midwest’s largest water distribution networks.
Detroit draws its drinking water exclusively from the Detroit River, part of the Great Lakes system connecting Lake Huron and Lake Erie. This abundant freshwater source provides naturally soft water with excellent baseline quality. Following the 2020 regional water authority restructuring, significant investments have been made in treatment upgrades, main replacements, and customer service improvements. Detroit’s water system serves as a regional hub, supplying wholesale water to surrounding communities while working to address legacy infrastructure challenges within the city.
Detroit Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Lead Levels: The most recent testing period (January-December 2023) showed 90th percentile lead levels of 11.2 parts per billion (ppb), below the EPA action level of 15 ppb but indicating ongoing challenges with aging infrastructure and lead service lines.
- Testing Scope: DWSD conducts extensive water quality testing with over 50,000 annual tests, including enhanced lead monitoring at high-risk residential sites throughout the city.
- Compliance Status: Detroit’s water meets all federal and state drinking water standards, maintaining compliance with EPA and Michigan DEQ regulations despite distribution system challenges.
Great Lakes Water Source
- Detroit River Intake: Primary water source from the Detroit River, drawing from Lake Huron’s outflow before it enters Lake Erie, providing naturally soft, high-quality freshwater.
- Source Water Protection: Comprehensive monitoring and protection programs safeguard intake areas from contamination, with real-time detection systems for potential threats.
- Abundant Supply: Access to the Great Lakes system ensures reliable water supply with virtually unlimited capacity for regional needs.
Treatment Excellence
- Modern Treatment Plants: Three major facilities (Water Works Park, Northeast, and Springwells) employ comprehensive treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and advanced disinfection.
- UV Disinfection: State-of-the-art ultraviolet treatment provides additional protection against Cryptosporidium and Giardia without chemical byproducts.
- Corrosion Control: Optimized orthophosphate treatment minimizes lead leaching, with careful pH adjustment and alkalinity management to protect pipes.
Infrastructure Challenges and Solutions
- Lead Service Line Program: Detroit has identified approximately 80,000 lead service lines and launched an accelerated replacement program, targeting 1,000-2,000 replacements annually.
- Main Replacement Initiative: Over $500 million invested in water main replacements since 2020, prioritizing areas with highest leak rates and oldest infrastructure.
- Smart Water Management: Advanced metering infrastructure deployment includes leak detection capabilities and real-time monitoring to improve system efficiency.
Regional Transformation
The 2020 creation of the Great Lakes Water Authority marked a transformation in regional water management, bringing Detroit’s wholesale water operations under regional governance while allowing DWSD to focus on retail service improvements. This restructuring has enabled significant capital investments, including over $800 million in treatment plant upgrades and distribution system improvements through 2030. Detroit’s water quality initiatives include comprehensive customer assistance programs, expanded lead testing, and community engagement efforts to rebuild trust while maintaining the high-quality Great Lakes water that has historically made Detroit a regional water hub.
Recommendations for Detroit Residents
Check Your Service Line
Use Detroit’s Lead Service Line Lookup Tool at detroitmi.gov/lsl-lookup to check if your home has a lead service line. Apply for the free replacement program if identified as having lead lines.
Get Free Filters
Detroit provides free NSF-certified filters to all residents upon request. Get filters at distribution centers throughout the city or by calling (313) 267-8000 to have them delivered.
Request Water Testing
Schedule free water testing through DWSD by calling (313) 267-8000. Testing is especially important for homes with children, pregnant women, or known lead service lines.
Flush Your Pipes
If water has been sitting in pipes for 6+ hours, run cold water for 2-3 minutes before using for drinking or cooking. Always use cold water for consumption to minimize metal exposure.
Access Bill Assistance
Detroit offers multiple payment assistance programs including WRAP (Water Residential Assistance Program) and flexible payment plans. Call (313) 267-8000 or visit detroitmi.gov for assistance options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Detroit’s water safe to drink?
Yes, Detroit’s water source from the Detroit River (Great Lakes system) meets all federal and state drinking water standards. The water itself is naturally soft and high quality, requiring only standard treatment including UV disinfection and chlorination.
However, lead can enter water through service lines and older plumbing in homes built before 1987. Despite meeting EPA requirements (11.2 ppb vs. 15 ppb action level), residents should take precautions:
• Use NSF-certified filters for drinking and cooking
• Flush pipes before first use of the day
• Request free water testing
• Join the lead service line replacement program
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
Detroit maintains a Lead Service Line Lookup Tool where you can check your address at detroitmi.gov/lsl-lookup. You can also:
1. Inspect your service line (usually in basement near water meter). Lead pipes are dull gray, soft enough to scratch with a key, and non-magnetic.
2. Call DWSD at (313) 267-8000 to request an inspection
3. Review historical records – homes built before 1950 almost certainly have lead lines
Detroit estimates approximately 80,000 properties have lead service lines and offers free replacement through the Lead Service Line Replacement Program.
What is being done about Detroit’s infrastructure?
Since the 2020 regional restructuring, significant investments are being made:
• Treatment Plant Upgrades: $800 million in modernization through 2030
• Main Replacement: Over $500 million invested since 2020 in new pipes
• Lead Service Lines: 1,000-2,000 lead lines replaced annually
• Smart Meters: Advanced metering to detect leaks and improve efficiency
• Customer Service: Expanded assistance programs and improved billing systems
The Great Lakes Water Authority manages regional treatment and transmission, while DWSD focuses on local distribution and customer service improvements.
Are there any current water restrictions in Detroit?
Detroit does not currently have mandatory water restrictions. However, the city encourages water conservation through:
• Efficient watering practices (early morning or evening)
• Installing low-flow fixtures and appliances
• Repairing leaks promptly
• Using minimal water for cleaning driveways and sidewalks
Detroit’s abundant Great Lakes water supply and recent infrastructure improvements mean restrictions are unlikely under normal conditions. However, residents are encouraged to conserve water to protect the environment and reduce costs.
For updates on any temporary restrictions due to maintenance or emergencies, check detroitmi.gov/water or call (313) 267-8000.
Contaminants of Concern
Lead
Source: Lead service lines and older plumbing fixtures in homes built before 1987; Detroit has approximately 80,000 lead service lines
Health Effects: Developmental delays in children, reduced IQ, learning difficulties, kidney problems, cardiovascular effects in adults
Current Levels: 90th percentile value of 11.2 ppb, below EPA action level of 15 ppb EPA Limit: Action level 15 ppb, but no level of lead is considered safe
Chlorine
Source: Added as a disinfectant to maintain water safety throughout the extensive distribution system
Health Effects: Chlorine at water treatment levels is safe for consumption; some people may notice taste or odor
Current Status: Maintained within EPA guidelines; levels may be noticeable in some areas; can be reduced by refrigerating water or using basic filters
Please read – our information
The information presented on cleanairandwater.net is compiled from official water quality reports, trusted news sources, government websites, and public health resources. While we strive for accuracy and thoroughness in our presentations, we are not scientists, engineers, or qualified water quality professionals.
Our mission is to present water quality information in an accessible, real-world format that helps people understand what’s in their water and make informed decisions about their health and safety. We believe that complex environmental information should be available to everyone in a format that’s easy to understand.
We make every effort to ensure our content is current and accurate, but we cannot guarantee that all information is complete or error-free. This website should not replace official communications from your local water utility or health department. We always recommend consulting official sources for the most up-to-date information regarding your specific water system.
Clean Air and Water is not liable for any unintentional errors, omissions, or outdated information. The content on this site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice.
