Hi Team,
Piease see below the proposed Flint Vater form letter...
For our knowledge/ not the letter:
H someone cari give me inforrnation on the initial switch that would be helpful- when, why.
Also, ine action timeline from when the state found out about the lead, up to today.
Let me know if we are good to go an the letter.
Thank you,
Laura
Thank you for your recent correspondence sent to Governor Rick Snyder regarding the water in
Flint. As a member of Governor Snyder's staff, | am responding on his behalf.
Flint families and children will be better protected by reconnecting with the Great Lakes Water
Authority as the source of the city’s drinking water until the Karegnondi Water Authority pipeline is
completed. Governor Snyder has asked the state Legislature to provide half, or $6 million, of the $12
million needed to reconnect with the authority through next summer, when the KWA is expected to be
completed. The Flint city government will provide $2 million and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
has committed $4 million.
Governor Snyder said “Flint residents need to have access to safe, clean, water now and long into
the future.” The technical experts helping the city on its water advisory all agree this move back to
the Great Lakes Water Authority provides the best public health protection for children and families.
The Governor appreciates Detroit's willingness to reconnect with Flint, the Mott Foundation’s
generous commitment, and the dedication of all parties to come together to protect Flint families and
children.
Flint city leaders requested the state’s help to fund the reconnection and to assist with health and
infrastructure issues. Flint’s move to the Great Lakes Water Authority is expected to cost about $1.3
million per month until the Karegnondi Water Authority is completed next summer.
The move to Detroit water, which is expected to carry, carries many public health benefits. As large
bodies of water, the Great Lakes are naturally prone to fewer problems from large rain events and
other runoff issues that can sometimes be present in shallower rivers. Additionally, the Great Lakes
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Water Authority water already has additional corrosion control, using phosphates to help coat the
insides of pipes and limit lead from leaching into the water. However, reconnecting with the authority
will not completely resolve the city’s problem with lead service lines or aging infrastructure. It will take
time for pipes in Flint to become coated with the phosphate corrosion control. Additionally, some
households in the city could experience lead in their drinking water until all lead pipes and plumbing
are replaced.
To best protect public health, Governor Snyder, state, and local authorities will continue to carry out
steps outlined on Oct. 2 in a comprehensive action plan, including continued testing, the use of faucet
filters and providing residents with accurate information about steps to eliminate lead exposure. The
Michigan Departments of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
also committed an additional $3.5 million for water filters, free lead testing through the state
laboratory for Flint water customers, and hiring additional staff to conduct health exposure monitoring
for lead in drinking water.
Free filters are available for current MDHHS clients at the 125 E. Union St. or 4809 Clio Road
MDHHS office locations. For residents who are not currently enrolled in MDHHS assistance
programs, free filters are available at the Genesee County Community Action Resource Department
offices at 2727 Lippincott and 601 North Saginaw in Flint. Staff will be at all four locations from 9 a.m.
to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, to distribute filters and assist residents who have questions about
proper installation. At the Lippincott location only, extended hours will be offered this weekend,
including until 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Other good practices for residents concerned about lead include turning on the cold water tap and
running the water until it's as cold as it will go. Additionally, only use cold water for cooking, drinking
and especially mixing baby formula.
School test results released; more investigation planned
The state also released the first results from its lead screening program in schools and homes. Of 37
total samples taken at 13 buildings, four samples spread over three buildings exceeded the federal
action level of 15 parts per billion.
However, this sampling provides only an initial screen, and the state is committing to further testing
water and inspecting plumbing at these schools. Until testing is complete, schools are advised to
continue using bottled water and filtration as a precaution to protect children.
In addition, free testing is still available for any other Flint school, including daycares and Head Starts.
Free testing is also available for any Flint resident.
Please visit Michigan.gov/Flintwater for additional resources.
Thank you, again, for taking the time to share your concerns with our office. Should you have any
further comments, questions or concerns regarding this or any other state-related matter, I've
included my contact information below.
Sincerely,
Laura Stoken
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Manager, Constituent Relations
Executive Office of the Governor, Rick Snyder
517.335.7858
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