Correspondence between

Importance: High Heads up

Goi a minute to call me? Brad Wurfel Communications Director Michigan Department of frvironrnental Quality SL? 284-6713

Thread on Virginia Tech: Ron, AS we discussed last week, the siste DEQ is just as perplexed by Edwards’ resulis as he seams te be by ihe city’s test results, which are done according to state and federal sampling guidelines and analyzed in certified labs. When i said we were unsure how the Virgiria Tech tearn got iis results, that’s not the same as being surprised that they got them. There are a conservatively estimated 15,000 old homes with lead plumbing in Flint alone, and this group specializes in looking for high lead problems. They pull that rabbit out of that hat everywhere they go. Nobody should be surprised when the rabbit comes out of the hat, even if they can’l figure cut how ibis done. H's scientifically probable a research team that specializes in looking for lead in water could have found it in Flint when the city was on its old water supply. We wan't know that, because they've anly just arrived in town arid quickly proven the theory they set out io prove, and while the state appreciates academic participation in this discussion, offering broad, dire oublic health advice based on some quick testing could be seen as fanning political flames irresponsibly. Residenis of Flint concerned about the health of their community don’t need more of that. AS | mentioned last week, the issue here isr/i Flint’s water source or water plants. it's the high number of older hornes with lead pines and lead service connections. Anyone with lead plumbing in their homes should recognize there's some communication of lead from that. The state and the EPA are working together in Flint — nave been from the siert, and we are in requier communication with federal counterparts to discuss Flirt water. The state’s program has been in place, protecting community water supplies for more than 40 years around the stale. The reasan this conversation hegan is because we have lead and copper rules; the city met the state and federal standard, and has agreed to further optimize its system to even further reduce lead levels, but let’s be clear: lead pipes means some lead in water, at sorne level. Folks who have concerns should get a water specialist to take a lock at iheir home and see what they need to cio lo achieve peace of mind, because lead and copper are harne plumbing problerns that no waier source can eliminate entirely. is) Brad Wurfel Cormmmunications Director Michigan Department of Environmental Quality 527-284-6713 xxxEND_PAGE:deq15_b159_0528_0531_1

Hey Brad, Here are the latest three statements we've released regarding water for reference. I've added you to my media lists, so you will get everything from now on. Let me know if you have anything that differs from what we're saying. Thanks, -Jason Lorenz Public Information Officer City of Flint xxxEND_PAGE:deq15_b159_0528_0531_3 (810) 237-2039 (Office) xxxEND_PAGE:deq15_b159_0528_0531_4