LANSING, Mich. — Michigan families who may be at risk of lead exposure from older plumbing can now receive free water filters through an expanded state program.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has expanded its Get Ahead of Lead initiative statewide, making the Statewide Filter Support Program available to eligible households in communities across Michigan.
The program provides certified lead-reducing drinking water filters and replacement cartridges at no cost.
To qualify, a household must have either a child under 19 who is enrolled in Medicaid or a pregnant person enrolled in Medicaid. The home must also have, or potentially have, one or more of the following:
- Lead or galvanized plumbing.
- A lead service line.
- Faucets or plumbing fittings sold before 2014.
“Michigan is committed to protecting families from lead exposure by working with communities across the state to reduce or eliminate sources of lead in the home,” said Amy Epkey, acting director of MDHHS. “By following the recommendations of the Get Ahead of Lead initiative and connecting eligible households to services, families can have an added layer of protection from lead.”
State health officials recommend using a certified lead-reducing water filter if a home has lead or galvanized plumbing, a lead service line or older faucets and fittings — or if residents are unsure what type of plumbing is in their home.
MDHHS also recommends several steps to help maintain drinking water quality, including regularly using water through activities such as laundry, washing dishes, showering and flushing toilets.
Residents are also encouraged to clean faucet aerators at least every six months and let cold water run until it is cold before using it for drinking or cooking.
Lead exposure can come from a number of sources, including paint in homes built before 1978, household dust, contaminated soil, drinking water that passes through older plumbing, certain jobs and hobbies, and some imported products.
Health officials say lead exposure can affect children’s learning, behavior, growth and development, making prevention especially important for families with young children.
Parents and caregivers who are concerned about possible lead exposure are encouraged to talk with their child’s health care provider about blood lead testing.
More information about the Get Ahead of Lead initiative and the Statewide Filter Support Program is available through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Residents can also contact the MDHHS Drinking Water Hotline at 844-934-1315 for information about eligibility and available programs.
