BIRMINGHAM, Mich. – On Monday, the City of Birmingham released a public advisory for drinking water customers in accordance with the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act, alerting residents that five of the 32 sites tested (out of about 9,000 total customers) exceeded the action level for lead in water.
"Protecting our drinking water is a top priority for residents and families, especially in the Great Lakes State. While we know that there is no level of lead that is safe for human consumption and no shortage of aging infrastructure, including lead service lines, throughout our state the stronger standards and testing methods being utilized by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy will help identify these lines and hone in on the true source of contamination within the infrastructure, allowing for swifter, more targeted action to mitigate associated health risks," said Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak).
"Since my first day in office, I've been advocating for increased funding for implementation of the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act and facilitating ongoing conversations between our municipalities and DEGLE," McMorrow added. "I will work to ensure that proper protocol and action is being followed, that residents remain informed, and that the quality of our drinking water is protected now and for generations to come."
Rep. Mari Manoogian (D-Birmingham) also weighed in on the issue.
"The actions taken by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and the City of Birmingham to notify and educate residents about the changes to water testing and provide information about how to mitigate exposure to health risks were necessary and appropriate. With EGLE's new testing methods in place, and by respecting science and facts, Michigan has the opportunity to become a model for the rest of the country to follow, ensuring clean, accessible drinking water for all," Manoogian said.
"The Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act was an important first step toward proactively identifying potential public health risks, and now it is time that we take the next step," Manoogian added. I successfully fought for $120 million in this year's budget specifically for the implementation of the Lead and Copper Rule because now that we have identified the problem, it is up to us to solve it. I encourage residents with lead service lines to install filters in their homes. Our residents can count on me to be their voice to advocate for clean drinking water, to ensure that EGLE, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the City continue to take proper action, and to prioritize the replacement of lead service lines throughout our community."
Residents can learn more about protecting their drinking water from lead contamination here.