Oakland County Assists Ferndale With Lead Prevention Efforts

FERNDALE, MI — The Oakland County Health Division is assisting the city of Ferndale by providing free water filter kits to residents after samples from the city's water system had high lead levels.

The health department was notified by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy that samples from the city's municipal water system had lead levels in the drinking water exceeding state standards.

The health department is coordinating distribution of free water filter kits to Ferndale residents who qualify from 3-6 p.m. Oct. 28. at the Gary Kulick Community Center.

“The quality of our drinking water is vital to the health of residents,” Oakland County Executive David Coulter said. “Oakland County stands ready to support our local communities by helping them comply with lead rules, distributing NSF-certified water filters to qualified households, and educating the public.”

Lead enters drinking water primarily as a result of corrosion, or wearing away, of materials containing lead in the water distribution system and plumbing, the health department said.

The materials include lead-based solder used to join copper pipe, brass and chrome plated brass faucets and fittings, and in some cases, pipes made of lead, officials said.