EPA Lifts Emergency Order on Water in Flint, Michigan

After nearly ten years, the Environmental Protection Agency has lifted an emergency order on drinking water in Flint, Michigan. The city, which first received an emergency order in January of 2016, received the emergency order because of residents facing severe health impacts due to its lead drinking water service lines.

Since 2016, the city of Flint, the state of Michigan, and the EPA have all worked cooperatively to bring the city’s water system into compliance with the all the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Ac (SDWA)t emergency order. The city developed and implemented a corrosion control treatment plan over the last decade in order to bring lead levels down. The city also replaced over 97% of the lead service lines within its limits. Additionally, Flint increased its permanent staffing levels to meet higher standards of operating procedure. Moving forward, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and the EPA will continue to help ensure that Flint’s drinking water system stays in compliance with the SDWA to ensure safe drinking water for all residents.