Lead in GLWA communities’ drinking water demands ‘all hands on deck’ response, experts say
Twenty-five Great Lakes Water Authority member communities exceeded Michigan’s lead action level since 2018, and experts say authorities need to move faster to protect public health.
Planet Detroit, by Brian Allnutt June 25, 2026
Overview:
25 Metro Detroit communities served by the Great Lakes Water Authority have recorded elevated lead levels since 2018.
GLWA increased corrosion control treatment in 2024-2025, and says there is no lead in its source or finished water.
Water safety advocates call for immediate distribution of filters and door-to-door outreach in affected communities.
“Betanzo said residents need to know what steps they can take to protect themselves from lead exposure — and that anyone with a lead service line should use a water filter.
“The messaging continues to come out that it’s isolated, it’s in a few communities, a few homes,” Betanzo said. “That’s not what’s happening here.”