Michigan could soon be undergoing a statewide lead water service line program, thanks to the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that has an allocation for water infrastructure investment.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued an Executive Directive to state departments and agencies to work with the legislature to get ready for a big lead service line replacement project.
Whitmer said, “With this Executive Directive, we are accelerating the timeline to replace 100% of lead service lines in Michigan, prioritizing communities that have been disproportionately impacted, fostering enhanced collaboration across departments, and ensuring that the projects are built by Michigan workers and businesses.”
The Michigan Pipe Trades are on board as well, with representative Jeremy Garza saying, “The number one responsibility of a Plumber is to protect the health of the nation and help every family and community access safe drinking water.”
The City of Port Huron has a continuous lead pipe identification process. The Department of Public Works, Water Office, and Water Filtration Plant staff respond to lead service inquiries as they come in.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
