City leaders say current water testing show Grand Rapids’ overall water supply meets standards and is safe, but they acknowledge some children in the Third Ward may live in homes with elevated lead levels from lead-based paint or older plumbing and fixtures.
As crews continue replacing lead service lines across the city, the focus is now shifting to helping residents address those lead hazards that may exist in their homes.
The city partnered with the Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan to distribute lead-reducing water kits that include filter pitchers, replacement filters, materials for removing and cleaning faucet aerators, education pamphlets and an optional in-home assessment to identify risks.
The initiative is paid for through the Participatory Budgeting Grand Rapids (PBGR), in which residents in the Third Ward allocated half of their $1 million investment to address lead concerns.
Kits are available for pick-up or delivery; to check eligibility, visit the Grand Rapids city website or call the Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan.
