Macomb County Health Department Continues Support for the City of Eastpointe with Lead Prevention Efforts

Macomb County Health Department Continues Support for the City ...  Macomb County Health Department

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Jul 19, 2023 - 00:30
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Macomb County Health Department Continues Support for the City of Eastpointe with Lead Prevention Efforts

Macomb County Health Department Continues Support for the City of Eastpointe with Lead Prevention Efforts

The Macomb County Health Department Assists City of Eastpointe with Lead Contamination in Drinking Water

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 18, 2023

The Macomb County Health Department (MCHD) is providing assistance to the City of Eastpointe after receiving notification from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) that samples from the Eastpointe municipal water system have lead levels in the drinking water that exceed state standards. This is the second notification Eastpointe has received from EGLE, with the first one being in October 2022. The water testing was conducted as part of routine compliance sampling required by EGLE under Michigan’s Safe Drinking Water Act.

MCHD’s support for the City of Eastpointe will involve deploying support staff to assist in the distribution of water filters and conducting public outreach and education on lead safety.

Water Filter Distribution Locations

  • Eastpointe Memorial Library
  • City Hall
  • Public Works Offices

Water filters and replacement cartridges can be picked up immediately at the above locations. The Eastpointe Memorial Library is open on Monday and Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. City Hall is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Public Works is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Residents can contact the City Manager’s Office at (586) 204-3032 to schedule a special pick-up date/time.

“The Macomb County Health Department continues to support the City of Eastpointe’s filter distribution efforts to qualifying families and by providing public education on ways to lower exposure to lead,” said Andrew Cox, Macomb County Director of Health and Community Services/Health Officer. “We strongly recommend that households with a child or pregnant woman in the City of Eastpointe use a certified lead filter to remove lead from their drinking water.”

Lead contamination in drinking water is primarily caused by corrosion of materials containing lead in the water distribution system and plumbing. These materials include lead-based solder used to join copper pipes, brass and chrome-plated brass faucets and fittings, and water service lines made of lead. Other common sources of lead exposure include lead-based paint chips, dust, soil, and imported goods. Populations at the highest risk of lead poisoning include children under 6 years old living in older homes or homes with lead paint, pregnant women, adults exposed to lead due to their occupation, and refugees.

Actions to Reduce Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water

  1. Replace faucets: Use faucets made in 2014 or later, or those marked “NSF 61/9” as they meet stricter limits.
  2. Flush water: If you do not have a lead service line, run the water for 30 seconds to two minutes, or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature.
  3. Flush water with lead service line: If you do have a lead service line, run the water for at least five minutes to flush water from your home or the building’s plumbing and the lead service line.
  4. Use cold, filtered water: Use cold, filtered water or bottled water for cooking and preparing baby formula. Hot water is likely to contain higher levels of lead.
  5. Do not boil water: Boiling will not reduce or remove the lead.
  6. Consider alternative water sources: Look for alternative drinking water sources or consider treating the water. This may include purchasing bottled water or a water filter.
  7. Test your water: Have your water tested for lead if you suspect that your home’s plumbing or faucets could contain lead or lead-based solder.
  8. Clean aerators: Remove and sanitize aerators, which are small attachments at the top of faucets that regulate the flow of water. They can accumulate small particles of lead in their screens. Clean them monthly.
  9. Install a certified water filter: Install a water filter that is certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction. The EPA also recommends the filter be certified for NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for particulate reduction (Class 1). Replace cartridges as often as recommended by the manufacturer.

Additional Resources

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43525 Elizabeth Road, Mount Clemens, MI, 48043

http://health.macombgov.org/

For media inquiries only, please contact Tom Lehrer at 586-463-3523

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

  • SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The article discusses the issue of lead levels in the drinking water of Eastpointe, which is directly related to SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation. It also mentions the support provided by the Macomb County Health Department in distributing water filters and educating the public about lead safety, which is connected to SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

  • SDG 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
  • SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.

The article highlights the need for safe drinking water in Eastpointe due to the presence of lead. This aligns with SDG 6.1, which aims to ensure universal access to safe drinking water. Additionally, the article mentions the health risks associated with lead exposure, indicating the relevance of SDG 3.9, which focuses on reducing illnesses caused by pollution and contamination.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

  • Lead levels in the drinking water
  • Number of households using certified lead filters
  • Number of public outreach and education initiatives conducted

The article mentions that samples from the Eastpointe municipal water system exceeded state standards for lead levels. This indicates that lead levels in the drinking water can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards SDG 6.1. Additionally, the article discusses the distribution of water filters and public outreach and education efforts, which can be used as indicators to measure progress towards both SDG 6.1 and SDG 3.9.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. – Lead levels in the drinking water
– Number of households using certified lead filters
– Number of public outreach and education initiatives conducted
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. – Lead levels in the drinking water
– Number of households using certified lead filters
– Number of public outreach and education initiatives conducted

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: health.macombgov.org

 

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