Lead Service Replacement Program

In 2018, the State of Michigan issued a lead and copper rule that placed new requirements on water supply and distribution systems.  Two of the more significant changes were requirements to complete a distribution system material inventory (DSMI) and replace lead water services on a set schedule.

The City submitted a preliminary distribution system inventory in December 2019 in compliance with the deadline of the new rule; the final material inventory is due in five years.  In order to comply with the final DSMI, the City is conducting point-of-entry inspections to determine service material type where it enters the foundation or structure.  Property owners should expect to be contacted by City staff to arrange a convenient time to conduct this inspection if it has not been completed already.  A small portion of newer constructed homes in the City will not require an inspection because the City has records on file confirming that no lead is present.

The distribution material system inventory will be used to determine the extent of water service replacements.  The State has established varying rates at which water suppliers must replace lead services. Because the City of St. Joseph is in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, we will be required to replace services at a rate of 5% per year starting January 1, 2021.  The City is in the process of developing the lead water service replacement program schedule.

Links to the current DSMI map and a map illustrating the general location of the water service line replacements are provided below.

Free lead testing is again being offered to eligible water customers residing in the City of St. Joseph and who may have lead service lines as identified in the DSMI (Distribution Service Material Inventory).  A searchable map showing eligibility is available at this link: https://portal.sjcity.com/portal/apps/Styler/index.html?appid=b703ffc5ab6d4201800c264e847e7063&lat=42.10205&lon=-86.48343&zoom=13

Sample kits with instructions will be dropped off and picked up the following day by water plant staff.  The program will end on April 30th. Call the City of St. Joseph Water Plant at (269) 983-1240 Monday-Friday 8 AM to 5 PM or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Questions or comments regarding the Lead Service Replacement Program should be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  If you don’t have email access, please contact Director of Public Works Tom MacDonald at 269-983-5541.

Current DSMI Map

Water Service Replacements

City of St. Joseph Consumer Confidence Report/Annual Water Quality Reports www.sjcity.com/water-plant

Additional Resources

www.Michigan.gov/MILeadSafe