Dearborn has nearly 5,000 confirmed lead water service lines in its inventory and has secured $21 million in combined funding for replacements, according to an Oct. 21 city update.
Tim Hawkins, chairperson of the city's Water System Advisory Council, presented the figures at the council's Wednesday meeting. The inventory included 4,978 confirmed lead service lines, 4,722 lines of unknown material and 23,042 lines with no known lead.
About 500 lead service lines had been replaced in 2026 as of the meeting, according to the minutes.
The city reported securing $13 million for private-side lead service line replacements, with the replacement plan spanning three years. It also reported receiving $8 million in state funding. The minutes did not identify the source of the $13 million or the state program providing the additional funding.
Identifying what's underground
Council member Sam Smalley asked about the success rate of the city's inventory model. Hawkins reported a 99% success rate, although the minutes do not explain how it was calculated.
Hawkins said the city aims to identify the materials of all 4,722 unknown service lines by the end of 2027.
The meeting discussion identified a 2027 deadline for a plan to remove all lead service lines by 2037. Hawkins said the city intends to seek additional grants and finish replacements before what he described as the federal deadline.
Road bond and future funding
Through a road bond, the city plans to replace about 1,000 lead service lines alongside water main and road projects. Dearborn has approximately 364 miles of water main.
In 2028, the city plans to apply for a State Revolving Fund loan to address remaining lead service lines. Hawkins said he expects future funding to offer less principal forgiveness and become less available.
Inspection notices drew complaints
The Downriver Sunday Times reported Oct. 2 that residents received notices threatening water shutoffs after earlier requests to schedule in-home service line inspections.
One resident told the newspaper they scheduled an appointment, but the inspector did not arrive. The resident then received a notice threatening a shutoff.
Dearborn Senior Press Secretary Hassan Abbas told the newspaper that affected homes must be inspected before service line replacements can be scheduled. He said the city sends multiple notices over a month.
Abbas said needed replacement lines are provided without charge, but residents could face shutoff notices for failing to arrange inspections. He also said replacement costs could be transferred to residents who do not provide access during the neighborhood's work window.
