Thousands of free drinking water filters to be distributed to eligible Kent County households

(KENT COUNTY, Mich.) Households in Kent County are eligible to receive a free drinking water filter if there are lead service lines or any lead plumbing in their homes. 

The filters are being provided by The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), Kent County Health Department (KCHD), and the city of Grand Rapids. 

MDHHS, KCHD, and the City of Grand Rapids announced the campaign to educate residents about preventing lead exposure on Wednesday. 

“Knowledge and action are formidable tools in our fight against lead,” said Kent County Administrative Health Officer, Dr. Adam London. “It is good common sense for residents living in homes with specific conditions for lead to leach in the drinking water to use a certified lead-reducing filter.” 

Kent County residents are encouraged to use a certified lead reducing drinking water filter if their home has lead or galvanized plumbing, a lead service line carrying water from the street to their residence, or older faucets and fittings sold before 2014. 

Households that are unable to afford a filter, that have a child under 18 or pregnant women living in them, or have a member enrolled in Medicaid or WIC are also eligible to receive a free filter. 

This effort is part of MDHHS's effort to reduce lead exposure from drinking water. 

“Using a certified lead reducing water filter is a prevention tactic much like having smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in your home,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “By encouraging filter use and getting filters out into the community, we will protect Kent County families by minimizing lead exposure through drinking water.” 

The corrosion of older water service lines and pipes, faucets, and fittings inside a home can cause lead to enter drinking water. 

“We know that the water being delivered to homes in Grand Rapids is safe. But we also recognize that until we’re able to eliminate every potential source of contamination now and in the future, including those inside of the home, interim solutions like filters can play a critical role in helping to keep our residents safe,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. 

Residents who are eligible for a free filter are asked to take a short survey online and set up a time to pick up their filter. 

Residents in need of more information can contact KCHD at (616) 632-7145. 

The Kent County Health Department has also created a video to help resident determine if they have lead or galvanized plumbing in their home. 

Additionally, Grand Rapids residents can look at a map to see where lead water service lines are located.