MARQUETTE, Mich. — The City of Marquette says recent testing found elevated levels of lead in the drinking water of some homes, prompting additional monitoring and public outreach.
During routine sampling, the city collected water from 32 homes. six of the homes tested were above the state’s “action level” of 12 ppb. Officials say the benchmark measures the effectiveness of corrosion control, is not a health-based standard, and there is no safe level of lead in the blood.
The city says it will increase sampling to every six months, provide educational materials, and replace lead or galvanized service lines when found.
Lead can enter drinking water from lead or galvanized pipes, plumbing fixtures, or solder, especially if water sits in pipes for long periods. Infants, children and pregnant people are especially vulnerable, but adults can also suffer heart, kidney and nervous system problems from exposure.
The city says its water leaving the treatment plant has no detectable lead and is treated to prevent corrosion. The problem is linked to plumbing and service line materials in some homes.
To reduce exposure, the city recommends:
- Learning what material your service line is made from by contacting the City of Marquette Utility Inspector at 906-225-8987 or atankka@marquettemi.gov.
- Using a certified lead-reducing water filter if you have lead or galvanized pipes, a lead service line, older copper plumbing with lead solder, or faucets made before 2014.
- Running water before use — 30 seconds to two minutes if no lead service line, at least five minutes if you have one.
- Using cold water for drinking, cooking or baby formula, and cleaning faucet aerators regularly.
The city will soon send residents a detailed public education document on lead in drinking water.
