Nearly a decade after high levels of lead were first detected in the City of Flint’s drinking water, the state of Michigan has submitted a progress report to a federal court marking the completion of its lead line replacement program.
In 2014, the city switched its water supply from water piped in from Detroit to the Flint River, a decision made by emergency managers appointed by then-Gov. Rick Snyder as a cost-saving move.
Due to inadequate treatment of the water, corroding pipes leached lead into thousands of homes as residents raised concerns about discolored, foul-smelling and tasting water.
“Residents of Flint deserve – and have always deserved – access to clean, safe drinking water and property repairs, full stop.
While we know that this is not a resolution for all the harms caused to the people of Flint from the water crisis, we celebrate this long-awaited win alongside you.
Flint has also committed to replacing any remaining lead lines this year, with Kitaba encouraging residents with lead lines to call 810-410-1133, or email GetTheLeadOut@cityofflint.com.
“Thanks to the persistence of the people of Flint and our partners, we are finally at the end of the lead pipe replacement project. »