KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Lead in the water became a big story in Michigan in 2021. Last spring former Governor Rick Snyder was charged for his role in the Flint water crisis. This fall lead was found in Benton Harbor’s water. They are still distributing bottled water there.
Is lead contamination a problem in Kalamazoo’s water? The quick answer is yes and no.
It depends on where you live and the age of your plumbing.
While Kalamazoo’s regional water system is ahead of the curve in addressing the issue, its still an ongoing concern. In fact a State Administrative Consent order is in place that requires the city to continue isolating the lead using phosphates, until the lead pipes can be removed.
Public Works Director James Baker says the water they pump is lead free…it’s when it gets to your house that the problem may occur.
He says they test for free on request to see if there are lead pipes at your home. They also do random sampling every year.
If they test and find levels above 15 parts per billion, they replace lines immediately, and can offer filters for lower levels.
Baker says Kalamazoo began replacing lead service lines before Flint…and have greatly accelerated their pace since, because more funding has become available.
So far in 2021 they have replaced nearly 850 service lines.
Mass line replacements have been taking place on the East side of Kalamazoo. A $20-million dollar effort on the northside and in Westwoodneighborhood begins this coming year.
Comments