City to Distribute Free Water Filters in the Edison Neighborhood

City staff will be visiting residents in the Edison neighborhood on select Fridays starting Friday, August 23, to distribute free water filters and information about water quality and lead safety. Staff will be visiting households between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Friday, August 23, September 6, September 13, September 20, September 27, October 4, and October 11, with a goal of visiting 500 households each distribution day. Additional dates may be added if necessary. 

This distribution initiative is coordinated between two City projects: a Lead Service Line Replacement Project happening in the Edison and Eastwood neighborhoods and the Lead-Based Paint Remediation Project, which helps residents mitigate the risk from lead-based paint that remains in some of Kalamazoo’s older homes (in partnership with KNHS Home Ownership Services). 

Kalamazoo's water system does not have lead in its source or in its water mains. However, lead can enter drinking water when it's in contact with pipes, solder, or other parts of a home's plumbing. The free NSF-certified water filters being distributed are certified to remove lead and typically last between 30 and 60 days, but this can vary depending on household water usage.  

Water customers outside of the Edison neighborhood can also request a free water filter. Free faucet or pitcher-style filters can be picked up at the City's Stockbridge Avenue facility located at 415 E Stockbridge Avenue. The City will provide one filter in the style of each customer’s choice, plus one additional box of filter cartridges. Customers are responsible for purchasing any additional replacement cartridges.  

You can learn more about Kalamazoo’s ongoing commitment to protect our community from lead hazards and replace every lead water service line at www.kalamazoocity.org/lead.