Free Water Filters for Michigan Families: MDHHS Expands “Get Ahead of Lead” Program Statewide
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has announced a major expansion of its public health efforts. The state’s Get Ahead of Lead initiative—specifically the Statewide Filter Support Program—is now available to eligible households in all Michigan communities.
If you qualify, you can receive free certified lead-reducing drinking water filters and replacement cartridges directly from the state to help protect your family’s health.
Who Is Eligible?
Your household qualifies for a free water filter if it meets both of the following criteria:
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Medicaid Status: A pregnant Medicaid enrollee or a child under the age of 19 on Medicaid lives in the home.
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Plumbing Risk: The home has (or may have) any of the following:
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A lead service line
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Lead or galvanized plumbing
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Faucets or water fixtures sold before 2014
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Key Steps to Protect Your Home’s Drinking Water
Even beyond installing a filter, MDHHS recommends taking these everyday actions to maintain tap water quality:
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Keep Water Moving: Regularly running water for daily tasks—like taking showers, washing dishes, doing laundry, or flushing toilets—prevents water from sitting stagnant in pipes.
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Clean Aerators Regularly: Unscrew and clean out your faucet aerators (the mesh screens on the tip of the faucet) at least once every six months to remove trapped sediment.
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Run Cold Water: Always run your tap until the water feels cold before using it for drinking, cooking, or preparing baby formula.
Why Lead Prevention Matters
Lead exposure in children can lead to long-term health concerns, including developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral challenges. While drinking water from older plumbing is a primary concern, lead can also originate from household dust, soil, paint in homes built before 1978, certain hobbies, or imported goods.
If you suspect your child may have been exposed to lead, contact your healthcare provider to discuss a blood lead test.
How to Apply or Learn More
To see if you qualify for the Statewide Filter Support Program, access additional resources, or explore other initiatives like the Filters for Foster Care Program, visit the official state portals:
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Apply Online: Visit the MDHHS Get Ahead of Lead Program or check details for the Statewide Filter Support Program.
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Call for Assistance: Contact the MDHHS Drinking Water Hotline toll-free at 844-934-1315.
