Public Works & Utilities

To help residents with lead service lines receive the best water possible, we are offering a FREE water pitcher and replacement filters to residents with a known or suspected lead water service. 

Zerowater pitchers are no longer being distributed, but we continue to supply replacement filters to those residents with a Zerowater pitcher.

Eligibility

Residents living at properties identified or suspected to have a lead or galvanized line are eligible for a free water pitcher filter and replacement filters.  Lead service lines are identified during free inspections by ComfortSystems technicians and through review of existing records.

Use the link to find out the material of your service line. Minnesota Service Line Material Tool (umn.edu)

Residents at affected locations will be issued a water filter upon identification during inspections and by request.  If you are eligible and have not received a pitcher or you would like to request replacement filters, you may request a voucher by filling out the form below or by contacting the Lead Removal Program at 218-730-4673 or email leadremoval@duluthmn.gov.

Pitcher Use

Using an NSF/ANSI rated water filtration system is an effective way to reduce exposure to lead in the drinking water.  You should use your water pitcher filter for drinking water, cooking, food and drink preparation including baby formula.

Please follow the instructions provided with the water pitcher. 

Brita Elite

• Brita Elite filters have a life of 120 gallons or approximately 6 months of standard use.
• Fill from the top and allow the water to work it’s way through the filter into the container.
• The indicator light near the spout will turn red when it is time to change the filter.

Zerowater

• Fill the Zerowater pitcher from the top and allow the water to filter through into the container.
• Use the TDS Meter to determine when to change the filter. When it reads 006 when inserted in a glass of filter water, it is time to replace the filter.
• The TDS meter is reading total dissolved solids, and does not indicate of the actual amount of lead in the water, rather it displays the effectiveness of the filter.

TDS Meter

Each pitcher contains a TDS meter stored on the lid of the pitcher.  It will measure the total amount of dissolved solids in the filtered water, including minerals, salts and metals.  

Directions: 

1. Pour filtered water into a clean cup.
2. Remove the cap from the meter.
3. Turn on the meter
4. Place meter in cup with filtered water.
5. Read the digital display
6. When the number is 006 or higher, it is time

to replace your filter

Filter Disposal and Recycling

Brita and Zerowater filters are NOT recyclable locally.  They may be disposed of in your trash or you may use the links below to use the manufacturer’s recycling program.  The City of Duluth will not pay or reimburse for postage and shipping charges associated with any recycling program.  All costs related to recycling the Brita and Zerowater products are your responsibility.

Brita – Use the link for information on recycling your Brita filters and products.

Recycle Brita

Zerowater  - Follow the link for directions regarding recycling your Zerowater filters and products. 

Recycle Zerowater

Certified

Both Brita and Zerowater pitcher filter systems are NSF/ANSI certified and rated for lead removal.

Brita: https://www.brita.com/assets/23601607167498ba405a22f7692b3b86.pdf

Zerowater: https://www.zerowater.pl/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Zerowaterfilter.nl_Performance_Data_Sheet_for_all_certified_devices_10-12-20.pdf

EPA –Identifying Point of Use and Pitcher Filters Certified to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-06/how-to-id-filters-certified-to-reduce-lead-in-drinking-water-epa_june-2024.pdf

NSF - National Sanitation Foundation:

https://www.nsf.org/consumer-resources/articles/lead-drinking-water

NSF - National Sanitation Foundation:

https://www.nsf.org/consumer-resources/articles/lead-drinking-water