The new partnership or program is called “Get Ahead of Lead”. The goal is to educate and equip residents with ways to prevent lead exposure from older plumbing, faucets, fixtures and water service lines.
Officials from The Kent County Health Department, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the City of Grand Rapids announced the partnership on Wednesday. Karla Combs Black is the Deputy Administrative Health Officer with the Kent County Health Department.
“We’re really excited about this partnership because it gives us a chance to be proactive and try to help people reduce their exposure to lead. Unfortunately, lead can come from a lot of different places. And, typically in Kent County lead exposure happens through dust and lead paint however, no level of lead is safe, ever and any way that we can reduce lead, is a good thing.”
So, officials are recommending that Kent County residents use a certified lead-reducing drinking water filter if their home has or if they are uncertain about lead or galvanized plumbing or older faucets and fittings sold before 2014.
“So, we’re really excited we have this partnership to provide filters to people in the community that might otherwise not be able to afford them.”
Black says the filters are available for those who qualify at two locations. One in Grand Rapids and one in Kentwood. They encourage residents to register before they come. To register or to find out more about whether you may have lead in your plumbing, you can go to their website at gettingaheadoflead.com
