By Jeff Hogan | on August 31, 2022

IMLAY CITY — Filters and bottled water is being offered today (Aug. 31) and Thursday to Imlay City residents as a precautionary measure after low levels of lead were detected in several homes in the city.

The Lapeer County Health Dept., in coordination with the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the state Dept. of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), is offering free lead-reducing filters and bottled water to Imlay City residents following detections of lead in several homes that received water testing after the Aug. 13 water main break in St. Clair County.

Although some data is still pending, some preliminary results demonstrate there are elevated detections of lead in the water of some homes. Water filters certified to reduce lead and bottled water are being made available to Imlay City residents as a precautionary measure as MDHHS continues to investigate. All homes, especially homes with children and pregnant persons, may want to consider using a certified lead reducing filter or bottled water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth and making infant formula. As a reminder, lead can be harmful to you and your children’s health.

Tap water can continue to be used for handwashing, bathing and showering, and laundry by all households.

Any resident who has concerns about their drinking water can pick up a free lead reducing filter and/or bottled water from the Eastern Michigan State Fairgrounds at 195 Midway Street (use main fair entrance) on the following dates and times:

Residents are urged to attend one of the above events if interested in receiving a filter. If not able to pick up a filter at the above times residents may contact the Imlay City offices at 810-724-2135 to request a filter or inquire regarding bottled water. Residents who need a filter and are unable to pick one up at the above locations, or anyone who has questions can call 800-MI-TOXIC (800-648-6942).

“The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) water main break occurred Saturday, Aug. 13. In response, Imlay City activated its approved emergency municipal well,” said Imlay City Police Dept. Chief Brett Selby, who also serves as communications director. “This ensures that water is available to the community during water main repairs. Following this activation, water testing was conducted.”

MDHHS will continue water testing in Imlay City to test for lead and other health parameters in water blended following the water main break. This effort is in addition to the sampling being conducted by GLWA and the local water systems.

All MDHHS Division of Environmental Health staff conducting sampling or passing out filters will have state-issued vehicles, visible MDHHS identification and will be wearing MDHHS logoed attire. MDHHS staff may be accompanied by contractors assisting with this work.

For more information, call 800-MI-TOXIC (800-648-6942).

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