Detroit is replacing thousands of lead pipes — but there may be an unexpected problem

DETROIT – Detroit is replacing thousands of lead pipes, which is great news! But that might come with a problem that you don’t expect.

The city of Detroit just received a $90 million grant that will allow it to replace 8,000 lead pipes per year. There are 80,000 total that need to be replaced, and that’s expected to be done by 2035.

So far, 9,727 have been replaced since 2018.

I know a lot about lead. A lot. When the Flint water crisis was exposed, I spent months in the Vehicle City covering the impact, the cause, and the ultimate solution. I saw the impact of lead and the serious danger in the people who were suffering.

Since then, many cities, including Detroit, have made it a focus to get the lead out.

Unfortunately, all the construction can cause some issues.

Recently, at my Help Me Hank lunch in Eastern Market, I met some seniors who call the west side home. They were thrilled that the lead service lines were removed in March, but they’re upset with the mess crews left behind.

There are exposed shut-off valves, and the pavement is torn up. Those are new dangers left behind because the fill work hasn’t been completed.

They worry children or seniors could fall. So now I’m working with the city to cover that part of the story, and to show you what you can do if you need this work done in your community.

Stay with me throughout the day as we update you on this important story. I’ll see you on Local 4 News starting at 5 p.m.

If you need repairs or have to report a problem, you can call DWSD at 313-267-8000, use the Improve Detroit app, or click here to visit the Improve Detroit website.