EPA visited homes where high levels of lead contamination were previously detected in sampling by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. At each home, EPA sampled raw water (without filter), water from residents’ existing filters (in-use), and water from new NSF-certified filters to determine the levels of lead in the water. EPA also revisited some homes with high lead levels it sampled previously, and retested water from their filters. The latest results show that NSF-certified filters are effective at removing lead from the water. EPA shares results directly with the homeowners immediately upon receipt, and removes all personal identifying information prior to posting the data online.

The safest option for vulnerable populations, including pregnant and breastfeeding women and children six years old and under, is to use bottled water. Everyone else should use filtered water for cooking, drinking and their pets. EPA recommends the following tips for residents to reduce their exposure to lead in water sources:

• Residents should be sure to use filters according to the instructions and replace filter cartridges before they expire; and
• Residents should clean out their faucet aerators by unscrewing the aerator at the tip of the faucet, and removing any debris that has collected there. Aerators are located at the tip of household faucets and have a screen to collect particles and sediment. Until the system has recovered, EPA recommends that Flint residents clean aerators once a week.