Revolutionizing Lead Service Line Removal: A Milestone For Detroit's Water Infrastructure

The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) has joined forces with BlueConduit to tackle the problem of lead service lines in the city. By utilizing artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive modeling, this partnership has managed to reduce the estimated number of lead service lines from 120,000 to 80,000. This incredible achievement has resulted in a 75 percent decrease in the proposed replacement schedule, transforming a 40-year plan into a much more manageable 10-year project.

The success of this initiative not only benefits the city of Detroit but also sets a precedent for other communities grappling with similar challenges. It showcases the potential of advanced technologies in addressing infrastructure issues effectively. To expedite the replacement of lead service lines, the DWSD has allocated $100 million in funding. The plan is to replace 5,000 lines this year and gradually increase the annual replacement rate to 10,000 starting in 2024.

The implementation of the BlueConduit platform, which harnesses the power of AI, machine learning, and predictive modeling, enables water systems to accurately allocate resources for their replacement programs. This targeted approach ensures that homes with the highest probability of lead contamination are prioritized, safeguarding the residents most at risk.