# ActiveRemediation: The Search for Lead Pipes in Flint, Michigan

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1806.10692 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1806.10692/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 10 Jun 2018.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [I-trustworthy Models. A framework for trustworthiness evaluation of probabilistic classifiers](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2501.15617/) (2025)
- [Auditing Recorded Predictive Lead Service-Line Classifications Against Physical Verification: A Statewide Study of New York](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2608.19922/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

We detail our ongoing work in Flint, Michigan to detect pipes made of lead and other hazardous metals. After elevated levels of lead were detected in residents' drinking water, followed by an increase in blood lead levels in area children, the state and federal governments directed over 125 million to replace water service lines, the pipes connecting each home to the water system. In the absence of accurate records, and with the high cost of determining buried pipe materials, we put forth a number of predictive and procedural tools to aid in the search and removal of lead infrastructure. Alongside these statistical and machine learning approaches, we describe our interactions with government officials in recommending homes for both inspection and replacement, with a focus on the statistical model that adapts to incoming information. Finally, in light of discussions about increased spending on infrastructure development by the federal government, we explore how our approach generalizes beyond Flint to other municipalities nationwide.