Flint Drinking Water Response
EPA Continues to Oversee State and City Action to Protect Public Health
Since January 2016, EPA has been ensuring compliance with its emergency administrative order (as amended) to ensure that Flint’s drinking water system continues to improve. Flint’s system currently meets regulatory criteria for lead and copper. EPA will continue to oversee the city’s efforts to transition to a long-term drinking water source and also monitor its replacement of lead (and galvanized) service lines throughout Flint. Updates from the City of Flint and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality can be found on their websites:
EPA Awards $100 Million to Michigan for Flint Water Infrastructure Upgrades
EPA has awarded a $100 million grant to MDEQ to fund drinking water infrastructure upgrades in Flint. The funding, provided by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act of 2016, enables Flint to accelerate and expand its work to replace lead service lines and make other critical infrastructure improvements.
Update on Water Quality
Throughout 2016, EPA conducted independent specialized sampling to ensure that corrective actions were working and that Flint’s water quality continued to improve. Data from EPA, MDEQ, Virginia Tech and others demonstrated significant progress. Lead levels have substantially decreased and orthophosphate continues to improve the protective coating in pipes. The orthophosphate coating on the water mains also continues to improve the ability to maintain chlorine in the distribution system.
