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Local resources

Detroit Water Issues

Lead Service Lines In Detroit

Detroit’s service line inventory counts an estimated 75,000 lead lines and roughly 48,000 lines of unknown material among about 311,000 connections. DWSD has replaced 15,722 lead service lines since 2018, 4,004 of them in 2025. The most recent round of lead sampling at homes with lead service lines returned a 90th percentile result of 8 ppb, below Michigan’s 12 ppb action level, though one home was above it. Because lead usually comes from the pipes between the main and your faucet rather than from the treatment plant, a reverse osmosis system at the kitchen sink is a practical way to reduce it in the water your family drinks and cooks with.

What Is The Water Quality Of The Detroit Region?

Detroit’s water met federal and state standards with no violations listed. The most recent report shows PFOA at up to 2 ppt, below Michigan’s 8 ppt limit and the 4 ppt federal limit; disinfection byproducts at highest running averages of 51.8 ppb for total trihalomethanes (limit 80 ppb) and 20.3 ppb for HAA5 (limit 60 ppb); nitrate at 0.35 ppm against a 10 ppm limit; and added fluoride at 0.56 ppm. Total dissolved solids averaged 112 ppm in tap samples. Review all of it in Detroit’s annual Water Quality Report.

Culligan of Ann Arbor/Detroit serves Detroit and nearby communities including Ann Arbor, Novi, Troy, Rochester Hills, South Lyon, Milford, Milan, Clarkston, and White Lake.

Water Filter FAQ

We Have Answers!

Does reverse osmosis reduce lead in Detroit tap water?

Yes. Reverse osmosis is one of the most effective point-of-use treatments for lead, and Culligan reverse osmosis systems are certified to reduce it. That matters most in older Detroit homes that may still have a lead or unknown-material service line or older interior plumbing. If you are not sure what your service line is made of, DWSD’s inventory and a free in-home water test from Culligan are good places to start.

Will a reverse osmosis system remove PFAS?

Reverse osmosis is among the most effective home treatments for PFAS. Detroit’s most recent report shows PFOA at up to 2 ppt, below both Michigan’s 8 ppt limit and the 4 ppt federal limit, and doesn’t summarize results for other PFAS compounds. Michigan also limits PFOS to 16 ppt and PFHxS to 51 ppt. An under-sink RO system adds another layer of protection for the water you drink.

What is Chromium 6 and can Culligan equipment filter out Chromium 6?

Yes, chromium six (or hexavalent chromium) has recently been discovered in limited amounts in some water supplies. Chromium six is suspected of being a carcinogen, and should not be ingested at amounts above the federally mandated limits.  We have never been alarmists, but if you are concerned about the quality of the water you drink, you might want to consider a reverse osmosis system.  Reverse Osmosis is the only readily available system that removes up to 97% of Chromium-6. You can read more about it here.

What is Reverse Osmosis (R.O.)?

Reverse osmosis is a sophisticated multi-stage filtration system that is capable of removing up to 97% of all the dissolved minerals from your water.  It is designed to make water that is at least as good as the water you buy in bottles.  Many times, it’s even better.  This reduces waste in landfills by using less bottled water, making reverse osmosis environmentally friendly.

Is Reverse Osmosis water as good as bottled water?

Yes – The Culligan RO system uses multiple processes including Reverse Osmosis to make great tasting, low sodium drinking water. Reverse Osmosis removes about 97% of the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) including salt and sodium from the water. Read the labels on bottled water and you will discover reverse osmosis is the same process used by most bottlers … so in effect … you really are getting … “bottled water without the bottle”.

Does reverse osmosis remove the fluoride in Detroit water?

Yes, reverse osmosis reduces fluoride along with other dissolved minerals. Fluoride is added to Detroit’s water during treatment, and the most recent report shows 0.56 ppm at the plant tap, well below the 4 ppm limit. If you prefer to keep fluoride in your drinking water, your Culligan expert can talk through your options.

I already have a filter in my refrigerator? Why do I need anything else?

Refrigerator filters are typically just carbon, and while carbon filtered water is better than no treatment at all, it is limited in what it can remove. Only reverse osmosis is capable of removing dissolved minerals and chemicals from your water. 

Can I rent a reverse osmosis system in Detroit?

Yes. Culligan offers reverse osmosis filtration rental for Detroit homes, with installation, filter changes and service included, so you get filtered drinking water without a large up-front cost.

Deals

Don’t Miss Out

For a limited time, get $400 off an RO + Select Softener when you purchase both together! Act fast, this deal won’t last forever!
Limited time offer from your participating dealer. Offer details may vary. See dealer for details. HE products not included.

Want to see what a Culligan Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System can do for your family in your home? Try us out!
  • For a limited time, you can get a three-month trial on our best Culligan Drinking Water Systems for $25mo.
  • Contact us today to schedule an in-home consultation.
*Restrictions may apply.

Why Choose Reverse Osmosis Filters For Your Detroit, Michigan Home?

Our water filters are second to none. But the real secret: We make water treatment easy.

  1. Expert Installation. Easy To Use.

    Culligan has been in the water treatment service business for more than 85 years…and it’s all we do. Your local Culligan delivers, installs and maintains your reverse osmosis filtration system for you, so you don’t have to! No worries about shipping damage, unboxing, or installation location. We also offer maintenance and filter changes annually.

  2. Unmatched Performance + Custom Solutions.

    How many water filters have you been through over the years? Many off-the-shelf filters only reduce the most common impurities in your Detroit, Michigan area, such as chlorine. Culligan’s drinking water systems address the unique content of your water, filtering 99% of all water contaminants at less cost, with unmatched durability and less hassle over the course of the product lifecycle.

  3. Why Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filters Over Pitcher/Faucet Mount Styles?

    RO filters are one of the most reliable methods of eliminating drinking water contaminant(s) that can be harmful to your health. These are pervasive in many water supplies across the country and include lead, PFAS, arsenic, volatile organic compounds, and other emerging problems that store-bought filters will not remove.

  4. Why Price Tags Are Deceptive

    Unless you were an expert installer, you wouldn’t buy a water heater directly off Amazon. However, big box retailers, both in-store and online, take this transactional approach to homeowners for reverse osmosis water filters. They offer you low price tags for incentive. But what they don’t tell you about are the installation hassle, the third-party customer service on both ends, and how you’re left to your own devices to maintain your system – don’t forget, your home is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. If you truly want to save throughout the life of your system, go with the expert!

Water Test Options

Why A Home Water Assessment Is Easier Than Ever

In-Home Appointment

Outdoor Spigot Test

Drop Off At Our Dealership

Top Products

The Most Popular Water Filters for Detroit, Michigan

Culligan Smart Reverse Osmosis Filter System

The Aquasential® Smart Reverse Osmosis Water Filter (RO)

  • 7 stages of filtration and 12 filter options
  • Certified for reduction of 58 contaminants
  • 2-in-1 sediment and carbon filter screens out sediment and particles
  • Can alert you and your dealer when service or filter replacements are needed
Culligan Tankless Reverse Osmosis System

Aquasential™ Tankless Reverse Osmosis Filter System

  • Requires 2/3 less space than traditional RO systems
  • New dashboard panel provides real-time feedback on water quality and system health
  • Reduce total dissolved solids and particulates found in tap water by 95%.

The Proof

Why Do Southeast Michigan
Homeowners LOVE Us?

“We have used Culligan Water for 3 years now and love it!”

We haven’t had any issues with service or the system. The price is great. We look forward to continuing service with them for many more years!!

– Michael S. -Troy, MI
Star Star Star Star Star
“Our water tastes much better now.”

We noticed a difference almost right away. The water tastes cleaner, there is less buildup in the kitchen and bathrooms, and the whole process was easy. Very happy with the service and installation.

– Lauren P. – Ann Arbor, MI
Star Star Star Star Star
“ I highly recommend Culligan!”

Very professional installation, they gave me a great deal and soft water for the whole house it’s amazing.

– Kevin P. – Troy, MI
Star Star Star Star Star