Lead and Copper Testing
Neither Grosse Pointe Woods nor GLWA do not do direct analyses for individuals, we perform testing as part of the drinking water regulatory requirements to ensure public health is maintained in our five water treatment plants and water distribution system.
The attached file shows how to check for a lead service line, or you can also use this handy web-based tool provided by NPR to determine if you have lead pipes in your home: https://apps.npr.org/find-lead-pipes-in-your-home/en/#intro
Before starting your request, you would check your pipes 1st, if you determine that you have any lead pipes or a lead service line, it is best do a 1st and 5th draw sample, otherwise a 1st draw sample is usually sufficient to determine if excessive lead or copper is leaching into your drinking water from your plumbing.
If you do have a lead service line, the Grosse Pointe Woods is responsible to change them based on a priority risk assessment and they have until 2040 to get them all replaced.
There are certified laboratories listed on the state of Michigan’s website located here:
https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/remediation-and-redevelopment/laboratory/certifications - select lead and copper laboratories for lead and copper testing.
Michigan’s Lead copper certified laboratories direct link to Acrobat file:
There are many laboratories listed in this file; however not all will do direct analyses for individuals. The laboratory listed on the top is the state of Michigan’s laboratory (EGLE Laboratory Services); it does analyses for individuals. You simply call the number, they’ll mail out a sampling kit, you return the samples with payment. Return shipping will be your cost.
EGLE’s drinking water laboratory website: with their contact number – they should send a copy of their price list and chain of custody form.
EGLE’s laboratory price list: “Lead/Copper 1st Draw for corrosion control” or “Lead/Copper 1st/5th Draw for corrosion control”
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/DEQ-RRD-LSS-EQP2301_454667_7.pdf
EGLE’s laboratory request for analysis form:
Michigan Lead Safe Website:
https://www.michigan.gov/MILeadSafe
GLWA sources of Lead and Copper & Health Effects
GLWA lead and copper sampling video:
