The 1-cent LEAD Check For Homeowners

Check Your Pipes for Lead — It’s Easier Than You Think

Grab a penny (or a key) and a magnet, and you’re ready to start!

Marquette, Mich. — August 14, 2025

2018 Results from Schools

Recent water sampling in Marquette reveals a 90th percentile lead level of 19 parts per billion (ppb), surpassing the 12 ppb Action Level, based on tests from 32 homes.

This follows 2018 findings in Marquette Area Public Schools (MAPS), where lead exceeded 15 ppb in fixtures at Sandy Knoll (18/44), Bothwell (29/38), Graveraet (17/28), and Vandenboom (1/15), with clean water at the city treatment plant.

The issue stems from aging home plumbing and fixtures, potentially worsened by road upgrades that disturb soil and older properties still tied to the public system.

"Even with the materials of 115 lines left unidentified — out of around 6,000 identified, non-lead lines — Cambensy's main concern lies in the plumbing of individual homes." - MYUPNOW Reporting

Health and Environmental Concerns

• Health Risks: Lead can cause IQ and behavior issues in children, pregnancy complications, and heart/kidney problems in adults.

• Sources: Lead or galvanized pipes, pre-1988 copper with lead solder, pre-2014 faucets, and possible contamination from construction disruptions.

• Infrastructure: 115 of 6,000 service lines remain unclassified; no known lead service lines exist, but older connected properties pose risks.

Practical Solutions to Reduce Lead Exposure

Test Your Water

• Safe Home Lead Test Kit : Lab-accurate results.

• Health Metric Test Kit : Quick initial check.

• Contact the City Utility Inspector at (906) 225-8987 or atankka@marquettemi.gov for service line assessments.

Install Certified Filters

• Brita UltraMax Elite (NSF/ANSI 53 certified): Ideal for families.

• Waterdrop 10UA (under-sink, 8,000-gallon life): Long-term solution.

• PUR PLUS Faucet Mount (100-gallon life): Budget-friendly.

• Note: Filters remove 99% of lead; follow instructions.

Flush Pipes

• Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes (5 minutes if a lead line is suspected) to clear stagnant water.

Use Cold Water

• Avoid hot water for drinking or cooking to minimize lead leaching.

Maintain Faucet Aerators

• Clean with vinegar monthly; replace if damaged.

Upgrade Plumbing

• Hire a licensed plumber to replace lead pipes or pre-2014 fixtures.

MORE TIPS ON LEAD PIPES FROM YOUTUBE, TIK TOK

City Efforts and Future Steps

• Monitoring: Bi-annual sampling of 60 homes with pre-1988 plumbing.

• Support? Assisting one home with elevated levels via EGLE and health department.

• Recommendation: Target older properties still connected to the system for isolation or updates to prevent contamination.

• Resources: City of Marquette Michigan EGLE Labs DHHS Hotline: (844) 934-1315

• https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/protect-your-tap-quick-check-lead-0

Key Takeaways

Lead in Marquette water reflects aging infrastructure and potential construction impacts. Testing, filtration, and plumbing upgrades can mitigate risks, while focusing on older properties could address root causes. Stay informed via local updates. Search Local First

Sources: City of Marquette notice, MAPS 2018 data, Amazon listings.