FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IS FERNDALE’S WATER SAFE?

Yes. Ferndale’s water is the same; it comes from the same source and the quality remains at- or above-standard. The Action Level exceedance is a result of more-rigorous sampling procedures, and impacts only those properties with lead service lines. Lead can enter drinking water when in contact with older, lead-based pipes, solder, interior plumbing, and fittings and fixtures, particularly when water has remained stagnant for extended periods of time. Properties with lead service lines have an increased risk of these issues.

WHY ARE SO MANY CITIES SUDDENLY EXPERIENCING ELEVATED LEAD RESULTS?

The recent lead issues are because of a significant increase in the required water sampling from properties with lead service lines. Prior to 2019, cities were required to test water from five properties with lead service lines annually; we are now required to test 30. This new sampling method has resulted in higher lead results for many communities—not because the water source or quality has changed, but because of the more-rigorous sampling procedures. Nothing has changed with the City’s water source or quality.

HOW CAN I TELL IF I HAVE A LEAD SERVICE LINE?

The best way to tell for sure is to have a plumber provide a quick inspection. Other ways to identify your water line materials:

• The City has launched an interactive GIS map that allows residents to search properties by address or parcel number to gain information about the material(s) of the home's pipe connection.
• If your results are not available using the map, or if you want to verify your materials, the City has launched an online form to help you do so.
• If you want to look into it on your own, NPR provides a useful online tool to assist you.
• You can also contact the City’s Department of Public Works at 248-546-2519.

CAN I HAVE MY WATER TESTED IF I'M CONCERNED?

Absolutely. The most effective way to test your water is by collecting a "first and fifth-liter" sample and submitting it to an approved lab.

WHAT DOES THE 90th PERCENTILE MEAN?

Michigan cities must have a 90th percentile lead level below the State's Action Level, which means that the concentration of lead must be less than or equal to the Action Level of 15 pbb in at least 90% of the samples collected.

WHAT CAN I DO TO REDUCE MY RISK?

Although the results are site-specific and lead levels will vary between homes, there are several recommended actions you can take to reduce your exposure to lead.

• Run your water before consuming. The more time water has been sitting in your home’s pipes, the more lead it may contain. If your water has not been used for several hours, run the water before using it for drinking or cooking. This flushes stagnant water from the pipes. Additional flushing may be required for homes that have been vacant or have a longer service line.
• If you do not have a lead service line, run the water for 30 seconds to two minutes, or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature.
• If you do have a lead service line, run the water for at least five minutes to flush water from your home or building’s plumbing and the lead service line.
• Consider using a filter. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recommends that any household with a child or pregnant woman use cold water and a certified lead filter to remove lead from their drinking water, especially when preparing baby formula. Look for filters that are tested and certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction. Be sure to maintain and replace the filter device in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to protect water quality. If your household has a child or pregnant woman or if you are not able to afford the cost of a lead filter, the Oakland County Health Department will provide residents one free of charge.
• Do not use hot water for drinking, preparing food, or cooking, or preparing baby formula.
• Do not boil your water as boiling will not reduce the amount of lead in water.
• Clean your faucet aerator to remove trapped debris.
• Check whether your home has a lead service line. If you are unsure whether your home is serviced by a lead service line, the following link provides a useful tool to assist you in determining your home’s service line material. You can also contact the City’s Department of Public Works at 248-546-2519 for this information.
• Have your water tested for lead. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) published a list of state laboratories that are certified for lead testing. The Oakland County Health Division also offers testing kits. For more information, contact the Oakland County Health Division at (248) 858-1280. Health related questions can be directed to the Oakland County Nurse on Call at (800) 848-5533 or NOC@oakgov.com.

DO I QUALIFY FOR A FREE WATER FILTER?

Free water filters are available (in the form of a pitcher or faucet-added filter) to qualifying homes by Oakland County and the State of Michigan. To qualify, you must

1. Be connected to Ferndale's water supply, and
2. Have a pregnant woman and/or child(ren) under the age of 18 living or spending considerable time in the home, and/or
3. Be on WIC, Medicaid, and/or be willing to say that you cannot afford the cost of a water filter.

The City will host a drive-through water filter distribution event at the Kulick Center on Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 3-6 p.m. Following that, filters will be available by calling DPW at 248-546-2519.

WHEN WILL MY LEAD SERVICE LINE BE REPLACED?

The Department of Public Works will begin the process of replacing the city's lead service lines by early 2021. More specific timelines and information will be available in the coming months.

WHO CAN I CALL IF I HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?

Contact the Department of Public Works Deputy Director, Dan Antosik, at 248-546-2519.

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