Flint Drinking Water Response
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
Flint’s water quality continues to improve. Data from EPA, MDEQ, Virginia Tech and others demonstrates significant progress over the past year. Lead levels have substantially decreased and orthophosphate is restoring the protective coating in pipes. Chlorine levels have improved and stabilized throughout the system for effective disinfection. Disinfection byproducts are under control and remain well below regulatory levels.
EPA experts believe that the system will continue to improve over the next year. Orthophosphate will continue to be added for continued restoration of the protective coating of all pipes. Regular water use by Flint residents and businesses will improve orthophosphate and chlorine levels and overall water quality in the system. EPA will continue to oversee efforts to improve water distribution throughout the city.
EPA is encouraged by these findings and continues to review available information with the State of Michigan, community leaders and others. EPA continues to recommend Flint residents do not drink unfiltered tap water. EPA will continue to monitor progress made by the City and the State to complete the requirements under the federal order that remains in place.