Blogs

December 2024 marked eight years since the last known active lead service line was removed from BWL’s service territory. This was a monumental undertaking that lasted 12 years and at a cost of $44.5 million. BWL led Michigan in this effort, being the first in the state, second in the nation to fully remove lead lines. Since then, we’ve continued testing and implemented corrosion control to help prevent any other metals from entering into the water due to older plumbing in homes.  

When we talk about metals entering into water, the biggest concern is when the water sits in pipes or older fixtures for extended periods of time and isn’t flushed like can happen in schools. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) focused their attention on schools and began drinking water lead risk assessments for those that volunteered, determining some districts had elevated lead levels in drinking water fixtures across the state. Specifically, levels were found to be above 5 parts per billion (ppb), which is the threshold set for schools. 

While no legislation said that utilities were responsible for helping or fixing this issue, we wanted to help schools in our area find a solution. Fortunately, the research showed a simple 30-second flush of the faucet reduced lead levels to non-detect or below 5 ppb. 

BWL’s Community Water Advisory Council started conversations around how to help, which turned into a Drinking Water School Flushing Program with the Lansing Public School District. The program was designed to be as simple as possible using our beloved water mascot – Tommy Tap Water – and followed the science of a 30-second flush to provide safe drinking water for the students. For the 2024-2025 school year, 145 kindergarten through third grade classrooms are impacted by this effort.  

Each week, one student is designated as the “Water Safety Captain.” This student arrives at class, collects their Water Safety Captain badge and lanyard and receives a 30-second sand timer. The student goes to the classroom’s drinking water faucet, turns on the cold water for a full flush, and starts the sand timer. Once the timer runs out, the student turns off the water and designates that the water is flushed for the day by moving Tommy Tap Water to “completed” on the water flushing magnet board provided to all teachers. 

Through this program, BWL and Lansing Schools are working together to protect student health and promote responsibility and awareness in the next generation. By empowering students to actively participate in this simple, yet effective action, we’re ensuring that every drink of water they take is clean and safe. This effort, alongside the continued work of replacing outdated fixtures, demonstrates our commitment to both the present and future of Lansing’s water safety.  

Together, we’re building a healthier, more informed community one flush at a time.