The Detroit Water and Sewer Department has received $90 million to accelerate its lead pipe replacement project.

Thanks to the funds, the city can now replace up to 8,000 public and private lead service lines each year.

Hear: Detroit waterworks receives $90 million in grants to replace lead water pipes

The acceleration is made possible through state and federal funding. The department received $75 million from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE) through American Rescue Plan Act funds, $10 million from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and $5 million from the Environment Protection Agency.

DWSD is currently upgrading 20 neighborhoods, replacing more than 200 lines per week. Director Gary Brown says the city is on track to replace all lead lines by the federally mandated deadline of 2035.

Brown estimates that there are about 80,000 lines left to be replaced — and about 20,000 that have not yet been identified. For more information on the Lead Service Line Replacement Program, visit the official website.

Brown spoke with WDET about the process of replacing the water mains. Listen to the interview using the media player above.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says that while tests have shown that Detroit’s drinking water is safe, replacing the pipes is a top priority before the pipes begin to deteriorate and cause problems.

The city has replaced 9,500 lines since 2018 – 5,000 will be replaced in 2024.