Lead and Water Testing

The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) is required to perform lead and copper testing at residents' water taps every year under the Michigan Lead and Copper Rule (as of 2019). The department takes the quality of its water and service delivery to residential and nonresidential customers very seriously.

Drinking Water Quality: Lead and Copper Resources

• View the Detroit Water Quality Reports.
• DWSD will test for lead in the water at no charge at homes where there is a lead service line by completing this online form or printing and mailing this form. To check if you have a lead service line, use these step-by-step instructions.
• A Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) representative will drop off a sample bottle and instructions to you within three days from receiving your request. The participating household must collect the tap water sample by adhering to the instructions provided. After you get the water sample and call the phone number on the instructions, a GLWA representative will return to pick up the sample and provide the results to you within 10 days.
• DWSD advises that you not use over-the-counter water sample kits. Over-the-counter kits are not the best method in testing lead in drinking water versus using a testing lab. 
• If a child in your home has an elevated blood lead level, please call the Detroit Health Department at 313-876-0133. Learn more about lead programs offered by the Detroit Health Department.