Detroit has received a $100 million grant to replace lead service lines over the next three years.
According to CBS Detroit, the Michigan Lead & Copper Rule requires all lead service lines to replaced over the next 20 years. This grant, according to Detroit Water and Sewage Department Director Gary Brown, will allow the department to speed up the replacement of about 80,000 lead service lines in the city with no additional cost to customers.
Brown told CBS that "the amount of funding means DWSD will be able to drive up its current program from 700 replacements per year to at least 5,000 over the next three years."
Currently, DWSD replaces lead service lines on the same streets where the department is replacing the water main, but this additional funding will let the utility replace service lines outside of the capital improvement program.
According to CBS, The $100M for Detroit's Lead Service Line Replacement Program is as follows:
- $75 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds through Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE)
- $10 million Michigan Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (DWSRF)
- $5 million Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WIIN grant
- $10 million DWSD Capital Improvement Program
Despite this funding, Brown told CBS that more revenue will be needed to fully replace all 80,000 estimated lead service lines.
