City kickoffs lead reduction initiative for the Third Ward

City kickoffs lead reduction initiative for the Third Ward

Published on October 31, 2024

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The City of Grand Rapids, in collaboration with the Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan, is kicking off its lead reduction initiative for the Third Ward.

As part of the City's Participatory Budgeting Grand Rapids (PBGR), residents in the Third Ward allocated $500,000 of their total $1 million investment to address lead concerns. Although some children in Third Ward may live in homes with elevated lead levels from lead-based paint, current official water tests indicate that the City's overall water supply is safe and meets regulatory standards, including those for lead.

The City is continuing its initiative to proactively replace all lead service lines (LSL) in Grand Rapids. With the ongoing replacement program, the focus of this funding has shifted to helping residents who may still need their LSL replaced and providing additional resources on lead hazards that may exist inside the home.

Earlier this year, the City issued a Request for Proposal and awarded the PBGR proposal to the Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan. Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan is tasked with distributing lead-reducing water kits to Third Ward residents with LSL. The lead-reducing water kit includes:

• A lead-reducing filter pitcher
• Elite Brita replacement filters
• Materials for removing and cleaning the faucet aerators
• Lead education materials
• An optional in-home assessment of pipes and fixtures to identify risks

Jameela Maun, executive director of Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan, stated that this initiative aligns with their vision of ensuring all children grow up in healthy homes free from environmental hazards, regardless of race or socioeconomic status. "Lead poisoning is 100% preventable, but its effects can last a lifetime," she said.

"Implementing this project reflects our ongoing commitment to combat this environmental injustice."

Doug Matthews, assistant city manager, said this PBGR project helps to address issues that might not be addressed through lead service line replacement. "We know through our own testing that the water provided to Grand Rapids homes is safe, but we've also learned from the experience of other communities that eliminating the risk is our best long-term course of action. At the same time, we know that there are a number of lead risks that can exist beyond the service line - whether it be internal plumbing, older fixtures or lead-based paint. This project helps inform and equip residents against some of those risks."

Lead-reducing water kits will be available for pick-up or delivery beginning October 28. For more information about the lead awareness initiative or to check your eligibility, visitwww.grcity.us/Leadreductionor contact the Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan at (616) 241-3300.

To learn more about the City of Grand Rapids' participatory budgeting, please visit www.PBGR.org, instagram.com/PBGrandRapids,facebook.com/PBGrandRapids, and twitter.com/PBGrandRapids.

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