Detroit’s trusted water company

According to local and federal sources, Detroit’s tap water meets or exceeds standards set by the Safe Drinking Water Act. That means tap water in Detroit is safe to drink. In late 2024, residents received notice that local service lines made of lead and galvanized materials are being replaced by 2034 to ensure continued quality and safety.

However, Detroit’s tap water has an average hardness level of 116 parts per million (ppm). While that’s technically safe to drink, the relatively high amount of minerals in Detroit’s tap water could affect the taste. It could also lead to issues around the home, including unsightly mineral buildup around taps and drains and inside appliances. A water cooler with advanced filtration can help improve your peace of mind and deliver better-tasting water.

Detroit gets most of its drinking water from the Detroit River. Additional water comes in from Lake Huron. All water sourced for drinking purposes undergoes treatment by the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA). After water is cleaned and tested at one of GLWA’s four plants, it’s sent to the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD). The DSWD then funnels drinkable water to more than 200,000 residential and commercial accounts and around 680,000 citizens in the greater Detroit area.

Many buildings in Detroit were built before the 1950s and may still have lead service lines. Lead can leach into tap water, especially if it sits in pipes for several hours. While the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) treats water to minimize lead exposure, older service lines can still pose risks. Businesses concerned about lead can have their water tested and consider filtration systems like Culligan Quench bottleless water coolers.

Detroit’s water comes primarily from the Detroit River and Lake Huron. While treatment plants remove most contaminants, trace amounts of industrial chemicals, including PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), can be present in some areas. The city regularly monitors water quality and publishes annual reports. Using a certified filtration system can further reduce exposure.

Yes, Detroit tap water is treated to meet federal and state safety standards, even with historical industrial activity in the watershed. Treatment removes bacteria, heavy metals, and many chemical contaminants. Reviewing DWSD’s annual water quality report and testing water in older buildings is a good precaution.