What Flint Residents Should Know
Flint's water crisis began in 2014 when the city switched its water source from Detroit's system to the Flint River without proper corrosion control treatment. This caused lead from aging pipes to leach into the water supply, exposing thousands of residents to dangerous levels of lead.
Since reconnecting to Detroit's water system (now Great Lakes Water Authority) in October 2015 and implementing proper treatment, Flint's water quality has significantly improved. Water testing now shows lead levels below the federal action limit, but the EPA emphasizes that no level of lead is considered safe, especially for children and pregnant women.
The city continues to replace lead service lines throughout Flint, with approximately 10,000 of the estimated 11,500-12,500 lead pipes replaced as of late 2023. All residents should continue to use water filters until all lead service lines are replaced and several rounds of testing confirm safe water.
Flint Water Crisis Timeline
Understanding the history and ongoing recovery of Flint's water crisis.
Water Source Switch
April 2014: Flint switches its water source from Detroit Water and Sewerage Department to the Flint River as a cost-saving measure. The city fails to implement proper corrosion control treatment.
Shortly after the switch, residents begin complaining about water color, taste, and odor. Many report skin rashes and hair loss after bathing.
Lead Contamination Discovered
February 2015: City testing detects elevated levels of lead in the water.
September 2015: Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha publishes research showing elevated blood lead levels in Flint children, forcing officials to acknowledge the crisis.
October 2015: Flint reconnects to Detroit water system, but damage to pipes had already occurred.
Emergency Declarations & Investigations
January 2016: State of Emergency declared by the Governor and President Obama.
Multiple criminal investigations launched into the crisis and officials' handling of it.
March 2016: The Flint Water Advisory Task Force places ultimate responsibility on the state's Department of Environmental Quality.
Recovery Begins
March 2017: EPA awards $100 million to Flint for drinking water infrastructure upgrades.
The city begins a massive program to replace all lead service lines in Flint.
Water Quality Improves
Lead levels in Flint's water fall below the federal action level of 15 ppb for the third year in a row.
Over 8,000 lead service lines replaced by this point.
Legal Settlements
November 2021: $626 million settlement approved for Flint residents affected by the water crisis.
$97 million specifically allocated for children exposed to lead, with most of the funds held in a trust until adulthood.
Current Status
Lead service line replacement continues, with approximately 10,000 of an estimated 11,500-12,500 lead pipes replaced.
Water testing shows lead levels consistently below federal action limits, but many residents still use filters or bottled water.
Long-term health monitoring programs continue for affected children.
Projected Completion Projected
The City of Flint aims to complete the remaining service line replacements.
Continued water quality monitoring and health assessment programs are planned to continue.
Key Contaminants of Concern
These contaminants have been monitored in Flint's water supply during and after the crisis.
Lead
ImprovingSource: Lead service lines, lead solder, and plumbing fixtures that corroded during the crisis
Health Effects: Developmental delays, learning difficulties, behavioral problems in children; kidney problems and high blood pressure in adults
Current Levels: 5-8 ppb (90th percentile), down from over 100 ppb during the height of the crisis
EPA Limit: Action level 15 ppb, but no level of lead is considered safe according to the EPA
Legionella Bacteria
Under ControlSource: Proliferated in the water system during the crisis due to inadequate chlorine treatment
Health Effects: Caused Legionnaires' disease outbreak (2014-2015) resulting in 12 confirmed deaths and 90 cases
Current Status: No recent outbreaks detected with improved water treatment
EPA Guidelines: Requires proper disinfection protocols and management
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Below LimitsSource: Byproducts of chlorine disinfection process reacting with organic matter
Health Effects: Potential increased cancer risk with long-term exposure; liver, kidney, central nervous system problems
Current Levels: Below 80 ppb limit
EPA Limit: 80 ppb
Copper
Below LimitsSource: Corrosion of household plumbing systems
Health Effects: Short-term exposure: gastrointestinal distress; Long-term exposure: liver or kidney damage
Current Levels: Below action level
EPA Limit: Action level 1.3 ppm
Neighborhood Variations
Water quality can vary across Flint neighborhoods based on pipe replacement status and infrastructure age.
Lead Service Line Replacement by Neighborhood
| Neighborhood | Replacement Status | Estimated Completion | Previous Lead Levels | Current Lead Levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civic Park | Completed | Approx. 95% | 22.5 ppb | 3.8 ppb |
| Eastside | Completed | Approx. 90% | 26.8 ppb | 4.2 ppb |
| Downtown | Completed | Approx. 90% | 19.2 ppb | 3.5 ppb |
| North Side | In Progress | Approx. 75% | 28.4 ppb | 7.2 ppb |
| Westside | In Progress | Approx. 65% | 24.7 ppb | 7.6 ppb |
| Carriage Town | In Progress | Approx. 60% | 21.5 ppb | 8.1 ppb |
Data based on City of Flint service line replacement program and water testing results. Completion percentages are estimates based on available FAST Start Program data as of late 2023.
Recommended Action Steps
Based on current Flint water quality data, we recommend these actions to protect yourself and your family.
Continue Using Water Filters
Even if your lead service line has been replaced, continue using NSF-certified filters for drinking and cooking until all pipes have been replaced throughout the city.
Important: Replace filter cartridges according to manufacturer's recommendations (typically every 3 months).
Verify Your Service Line Status
Check if your home's lead service line has been replaced through the City of Flint's online database or by calling the FAST Start program.
Flush Water After Non-Use
If your water hasn't been used for 6 hours or more, run cold water for at least 5 minutes before using it for drinking or cooking, even if you have a filter.
Get Regular Water Testing
Free water testing is still available for all Flint residents. Tests should be conducted every 6 months, even if previous tests showed low lead levels.
Clean Faucet Aerators
Remove and clean your faucet aerators (screens) every week to remove any accumulated lead particles.
Consider Lead Testing for Children
Children under 6 who live in Flint should receive regular blood lead level testing, available for free through the Flint Registry.
Sources & References
- Michigan.gov Flint Water Updates - Official state data on service line replacements and water quality.
- EPA Flint Water Response - Federal reports on Flint water quality and remediation efforts.
This report was last updated on March 10, 2024, using the most recent verified data available from official sources. Projected timelines and estimates are clearly labeled and based on official planning documents.
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