AMUS ongoing water filter education project serves to educate residents about the potential hazards of lead contamination in the home and provides a point-of-use water filter and refill cartridges to eligible households at no cost. We also complete a brief survey with residents about their experience using water filters.
Wayne State University’s AmeriCorps Urban Safety Program is distributing PUR lead-reducing water filters to eligible households at no cost (1 filter per household). If a household has previously received a filter we can also provide refill cartridges. If they previously received a filter but it is now broken or otherwise unusable we can replace it at no cost.
The two filter types we offer are: PUR Faucet Filtration System ; PUR 11-cup pitcher.
This project has been operating in local cities including Inkster, Dearborn Heights, Wayne, Melvindale, Harper Woods, Eastpointe, and Highland Park for two years, during which time we’ve distributed over 7000 filter items to residents.
Water Filter Education Project is available to residents in designated Childhood Lead Prevention Communities in :
Birmingham
Eastpointe
Garden City
Hamtramck
Highland Park
Melvindale
Dearborn Heights
Ferndale
Harper Woods
Hazel Park
Inkster
Oak Park
Royal Oak
St Clair Shores
White Lake
Royal Oak Twp
Wayne
**Please note this program is not available in the city of Detroit, as Detroit is not a designated CLPC.**
If a resident needs assistance with setting up their filter we also offer that service. This is optional and only done at the homeowner’s request, at which time two of our members would enter the resident’s home to install a point-of-use filter. Our members are trained in safety protocols and a WSU field supervisor is notified when a resident requests installation. We never enter a home without explicit permission from the homeowner and it is never a requirement to receive the filter items. To receive a filter, the resident completes a short survey about water usage and eligibility with an AmeriCorps member, and once eligibility is confirmed we set up delivery of the requested items.
Eligibility (must be eligible in all 3 categories :
- Household must have person under the age of 18 living in the household OR person under 18 frequently visits the household OR a pregnant or breastfeeding person lives at the household
- Household must self-report that a resident receives WIC benefits or Medicaid, OR cannot afford the cost of a filter and recurring refills (approximately $40 initial, $15 every 2-3 months)
- Household must be in a designated Childhood Lead Prevention Community
There is never a cost associated with this program; filter items and support are free resources for residents. AmeriCorps members will never request payment information.
If a resident needs assistance with setting up their filter we also offer that service. This is optional and only done at the homeowner’s request, at which time two of our members would enter the resident’s home to install a point-of-use filter. Our members are trained in safety protocols and a WSU field supervisor is notified when a resident requests installation. We never enter a home without explicit permission from the homeowner and it is never a requirement to receive the filter items.
Residents may see AmeriCorps members canvassing in their neighborhood and may receive a leaflet detailing the program specifics. Our teams wear AmeriCorps or Wayne State University shirts and will have WSU identification available.
AMUS DETROIT 