Pontiac
Pontiac Drinking Water Quality
We are pleased to report that your drinking water is safe and meets Federal and State requirements.
For more information about the City of Pontiac's Water Quality view the Water Quality Report for the City of Pontiac. This report is compiled from data received from water treatment plant sampling and local distribution bacteriological, disinfection byproduct and lead & copper sampling. Many contaminants are analyzed but are not listed in the report if not detected. A Pontiac Water System Advisory Council was formed to help water customers become more aware of potential lead in drinking water and the associated health risks.
Lead Service Line Replacement Program
The Lead Service Line Replacement Program is replacing eligible lead and galvanized steel water service lines in Pontiac homes at no out-of-pocket cost to homeowners. If you received a packet from us, call 248-858-4324 today to schedule your inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our records indicate your home may have a lead or galvanized steel water service line. We need to verify the material before replacement.
Yes. Your drinking water is delivered lead-free and meets all state and federal drinking water standards. If your home has a lead service line, lead can enter the water that has been sitting in the pipe between the water main and your tap. To reduce potential lead exposure, run your cold water for 5 minutes if it has been sitting in your pipes for several hours or overnight. Always use cold water for drinking, cooking and preparing food.
There is no out-of-pocket cost to homeowners for qualifying lead or galvanized steel water service line replacements.
We will briefly enter your home to verify your service line material and locate your water meter. Watch our video to see how it is done.
The temporary use agreement gives us permission to complete the replacement work.
Most replacements take about 3 to 4 hours. Restoration of disturbed areas is completed afterward.
Water service will be interrupted for a short time during the replacement. Crews work to keep disruptions as brief as possible.
After the replacement is complete, flush your pipes before drinking, using hot water, making ice or using filtered water from your refrigerator. This process is simple and takes about five minutes. Watch our step-by-step video.
Yes. Call us at 248-858-4324 to get an inspection. Work is completed neighborhood by neighborhood, so scheduling depends on where crews are currently working.
Yes. Any areas disturbed during construction will be restored after the replacement work is complete.
You can use the Water Service Line Materials Map for eligible single-family homes or contact us at 248-858-4324 for assistance.
No. There is no lead or copper in the source water. Lead and copper contamination comes from leaching of plumbing materials and lead service lines in older homes. Corrosion control chemicals (phosphate) are added to the water at the treatment plant to minimize leaching into drinking water. View the lead and copper results for Pontiac.
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking.
- Flush your faucet if not used for more than 6 hours.
- Clean out your faucet aerators on a regular basis.
- Consider replacing your faucet if older than 2014. Faucets newer than 2014 are considered lead free (less than 0.25% lead allowed).
Resources
Help Us Check Your Water Service Line Flyer (English)
Ayúdenos A Revisar Su Línea De Servicio De Agua (Español)
Lead Service Line Replacement Packet
Water Service Line Material Map
Improving Water and Sewer Service for the Residents of Pontiac
Our organization is working on multiple projects throughout the City of Pontiac to improve aging water and sewer infrastructure. We’ve created an interactive page with photos and videos to highlight the progress being made. Click here to learn more.
Source Water Information
Pontiac purchases their water from the North Oakland County Water Authority (NOCWA), who purchases it from the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA). The water comes from the Lake Huron watershed via the Lake Huron Water Treatment Plant in Port Huron.
GLWA’s water treatment process is a 24/7 operation managed by highly qualified and trained professionals. Once water enters GLWA facilities, it goes through various treatment levels, including physical screening, filtration and a final quality check before being pumped out of the stations into the distribution system.
Water Pressure Information
The water pressure delivered to your home depends on the location of your home within the water system's elevation. Please call 248-858-0958 or email wrcwater@oaklandcountymi.gov for more information.
Discolored Water
Discolored water occurs when normally settled sediment on the bottom of the watermain gets stirred up. This can happen when sprinklers are turned on in the spring or when a fire hydrant is used. Water maintenance staff flush and sample hydrants after main breaks, which can also cause discolored water. This water is not a health risk, but we do understand it is unpleasant. The best thing you can do is to refrain from using the water inside your home until the system settles down again. Typically, the water will settle after about two hours. To prevent the discolored water from flowing through your entire system:
- Run cold water at an outside hose bib or at a faucet near your water meter until it clears.
- Then flush the faucets inside your home from the one closest to your meter and out.
Outdoor Water Use Guidelines
Outdoor water use consumes a large volume of water. There are ways to reduce and use the water wisely.
- Sweep driveways, sidewalks and steps rather than hosing them off.
- Control hose flow with an automatic shutoff nozzle; remove nozzle after use.
- Wash vehicles where runoff is utilized by plants rather than discharging into storm drains.
- Use mulch around trees, shrubs and in the garden.
- Use plants that are adapted to our location; they require less water.