Detroit Evening Report: Detroit officials assure residents water is safe after letter raises concerns
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Detroit officials are reassuring residents about the safety of the city’s water system.
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The statement comes after the city sent federally mandated letters to thousands of residents about the materials used for water service lines. Many Detroiters were concerned that the letters served as some sort of warning.
Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Director Gary Brown held a news conference on Tuesday to let residents know there’s no reason to worry.
“Our water is safe and some of the best water in the world. We’re a leader in the United States in delivering quality water,” he said. “We’re below the actionable level for lead at 12 parts per billion in the most recent testing results.”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires municipalities with lead service lines to send out the letters. Brown says the city uses a special coating to prevent old service lines from leeching lead into the water. He says concerned residents can run water for three to five minutes in the morning to flush standing water out of the system.
Detroit has 10 years to replace all of its lead service lines. Brown says the city has spent $100 million this year in its efforts to replace those lines.
Other headlines for Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024:
- The city of Detroit broke ground Tuesday on a project that will turn a historic school into affordable housing.
- AAA Michigan says you should pack your patience if you’re planning to take a trip over Thanksgiving, as 2.6 million Michiganders will be traveling over the holiday weekend.
- Gas prices continue to trend lower in metro Detroit, according to AAA Michigan, with the average price of a gallon of self-serve unleaded now at $3.10 — down five cents from a week ago.
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