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A decade after lead-contaminated water was found in the water system of Flint, in Michigan, the legal battle to replace lead water pipes is largely complete. As the NRDC, an organization working to safeguard our earth, its flora and fauna, as well as the natural systems they all depend on, details.
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Concerns that Led to a Court Order
A decade ago, contaminated water was found in Flint’s water system, prompting national outrage, as NBC News reports.
In 2013, officials ceased buying water from Detroit, and created a pipeline to Lake Heron to reduce costs. Until that was completed, the city’s main water source in 2014 was the Flint River. This river, Inside Climate News reports, had previously been deemed unsafe for consumption by the State’s environmental department.
Residents were quick to report a murky, foamy water emanating from their pipes. They soon began experiencing rashes, vomiting and hair loss. Although when tested, this water showed high levels of a disinfectant byproduct, trihalomethanes, E.coli bacteria and lead, city officials maintained the water was still safe to consume. This was despite several suspected deaths. Even so, it was not until 2015 that the city reverted to Detroit water.
The so-called water crisis in Flint with its dual triggers of contaminated water and an outdated water infrastructure, led to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimating that almost 100,000 residents of the city had been exposed to lead.
Scientists are still examining the last effects of lead exposure in Flint, but reports have revealed elevated blood lead levels in children. Exposure to lead can cause irreversible damage to the brain, kidneys and nervous system, and has also been linked to heart disease.
Flint residents, backed by nonprofits, sued the city and won a settlement in 2017, This required free lead pipe replacements for all locals.
Flint’s Water Supply is in a Better Place Today
After a decade in which the historic “vehicle city” became notorious for its dangerous water, the city’s replacement of its lead water pipes, leading to the availability of pure water on tap, is considered a historic milestone.
This summer, a progress report from State officials shows that 11,000 lead pipes in the city had been replaced, while teams had restored over 28,000 affected buildings.
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Challenges remain. Some vacant buildings, and properties whose owners have declined this free assistance, remain. This pleasing total of lead pipe replacements has not taken away the anxiety of local resident, Melissa Mayes, quoted in PBS News, who admits to using bottled water to brush her teeth, cook with, and give her pets, after several of her pets died.
The achievements of the campaign are credited to Flint’s strong local community: “Thanks to the persistence of the people of Flint and our partners, we are finally at the end of the lead pipe replacement project," said Allen C. Overton of Concerned Pastors for Social Action, one of the petitioners in a 2017 lawsuit against officials over the scandal.
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