State guide
Michigan
Michigan’s lead service line rules are unusually homeowner-protective: official state pages say water supplies are responsible for replacing the entire lead or GPCL service line at the water supply’s expense. In practice, current utility programs are often organized city-by-city, with many offering full no-cost replacement of both public and private portions when the line qualifies.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- State lead service line page
- Official page →
Official resources in Michigan
State FAQ that explains Michigan water supplies are responsible for removing the entire lead service line from the main to the home including all costs.
Official EGLE page with service-line replacement compliance materials and reporting requirements.
State progress page summarizing Michigan’s replacement requirements and annual replacement reporting.
State drinking water rule page with links to Michigan service line replacement data and related lead rule materials.
Key facts for Michigan
- Mi Lead Safe says water supplies are responsible for removing the entire lead service line from the main to the home including all costs.
- EGLE says community water supplies with lead or GPCL lines must replace them within 20 years starting in January 2021.
- Michigan rules ban partial lead service line replacements except for emergency repairs.
- EGLE posts Michigan service line replacement data on the Lead and Copper Rule pages.
Utility help for homeowners in Michigan
| Utility | city | program | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Water and Sewerage Department | Detroit | Lead Service Line Replacement Program | DWSD says it replaces the lead service line with copper at DWSD’s expense, with owner or occupant permission, during its neighborhood and water-main projects. |
| City of Flint | Flint | Service Line Replacement Program | Flint says if any non-copper service-line material is present, it will be replaced from the water main to the water meter at no cost to the customer. |
| City of Grand Rapids Water System | Grand Rapids | Lead Line Replacement Program | Grand Rapids says the City replaces lead service lines at no cost when there is a leak or the home is within a city construction project; if an owner wants earlier replacement, the private side can be financed through the Ten-Pay program over 10 years at low interest. |
| City of East Lansing | East Lansing | — | East Lansing says DPW will replace all lead service pipe components over the next several years at no cost to individual property owners. |
| City of Benton Harbor | Benton Harbor | Water Service Line Replacement | The official Benton Harbor replacement agreement says the City plans to replace the private water service with a new copper service at no cost to the owner. |
What to do next
- Ask your utility whether your address is already in a city-funded or state-funded full replacement area before paying a private plumber.
- If your city asks for access or a replacement agreement, return it quickly; several Michigan programs require owner permission to replace the private side.
- Use your city’s lead service line map or notification letter to verify whether your line is lead, GPCL, or unknown before scheduling work.
Helpful guides
- Who pays to replace the private side of a lead service line?
- Lead service line replacement grants, reimbursements and loans
- How to tell if your water service line is lead
- The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements: what homeowners need to know
Lead line cost-share estimator →