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The Flint Drinking Water Action Plan was announced on October 2, 2015. It included
the following:
Testing in Flint public schools immediately
Offered free water testing to Flint residents
Provided free water filters to residents with concerns or who are included in state
assistance programs
Expanding health exposure testing of individual homes
Accelerating corrosion controls in the Flint drinking water system
Accelerating water system improvements to address replacing lead service lines
Expediting the completion of the Karegnondi Water Authority pipeline
Expanding a Safe Drinking Water Technical Advisory Committee
Named Dr. Eden Wells as the Flint drinking water public health advisor
Boosted a comprehensive lead education program
Testing in Flint Public Schools Immediately
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Samples were taken on October 2 and were received at DEQ laboratory over the
weekend. Test results to date indicate 37 samples tested, 4 of which exceeded a
federal action level, and 1 of those 4 was a significant outlier. We will be compiling
detailed information about which schools and area codes the test results came from and
will be providing that information in our next update.
We have met with DHHS, and we are working on developing response protocols, a
communications plan, and guidance for schools when this data is reported.
Offered Free Water Testing to Flint Residents
We have received 4 sets of samples from Flint that represent individual residents. We
will be compiling the total number and the results of those samples and reporting in a
future report.
Provided Free Water Filters to Residents with Concerns or Who are Included in State
Assistance Programs
DHHS held organizational meetings in Flint on October 5, and filter distribution by
DHHS started on October 6. Nick Lyon in DHHS is taking the lead in filter distribution.
Expanding Health Exposure Testing of Individual Homes
Dr. Wells and Dan Wyant have been in conversations about a protocol for exposure
testing. Dr. Wells will take the lead on developing the protocol.
Accelerating Corrosion Controls in the Flint Drinking Water System
A conference call was held with U.S. EPA Regional Administrator Susan Hedman
and national corrosion control experts. We asked two questions:
1. Which is a safer water source — DWSD or Flint River?
2. If you don’t have an opinion on the safer source, what criteria should we
use for an evaluation?
EPA staff would not commit to a preference, but their evaluation of the criteria
clearly lead to the conclusion that DWSD was a safer water source. EPA
committed to submitting technical assistance to the Safe Drinking Water
Technical Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) meeting, which will be held
on October 7 at 2:00 p.m. in Flint City Hall.
DEQ met with the Flint Mayor, the city manager, and their water staff. Flint agreed
to expediting corrosion controls. We discussed the agenda for the Advisory
Committee meeting. The Advisory Committee will be asked to evaluate two
respective water sources at their Wednesday meeting.
We expect the Advisory Committee to recommend the water source that would
address not only lead safety but also other water safety issues.
Accelerating Water System Improvements to Address Replacing Lead Service Lines
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Conversations with Congressman Kildee and EPA have clarified the state would be
allowed to use Drinking Water Revolving Loan funds to replace private drinking water
service lines. Senator Ananich has been approached to introduce language clarifying
the state’s authority.
Expediting the Completion of the Karegnondi Water Authority Pipeline
Dan Wyant has talked to Genesee County Drain Commissioner Jeff Wright. Mr. Wright
has provided a list of issues that would help expedite the completion of the Karegnondi
Water Authority pipeline. They include truck weight and frost law exemptions, talent
identification, and expediting permits.
Expanding a Safe Drinking Water Technical Advisory Committee
EPA has appointed their national technical expert to the Advisory Committee, and we
have appointed Alfred Franzblau, M.D., Professor of Environmental Health Services,
University of Michigan, to the Advisory Committee.
Named Dr. Eden Wells as the Flint Drinking Water Public Health Advisor
Boosted a Comprehensive Lead Education Program
Other Updates
e Dan Wyant was interviewed on October 6 by CBS Evening News during filter
distribution in Flint. Questions asked were:
o Was it a mistake to go to Flint River water?
Answer: We draw water from the surface waters; we treat it to safe
drinking water standards. At issue is lead exposure. Lead exposure must
be addressed. Actions are being taken to address the issue.
o Did you put kids at risk?
Answer: Lead exposure is a serious issue, and steps need to be taken to
limit lead exposure.
o Why did it take so long?
Answer: DEQ has been there from the beginning addressing the issue of
Flint water. Recent tests justify and require the actions taken. Action
steps address short-term, intermediate, and long-term lead issues to
ensure public safety and confidence of the drinking water.
e Dan Wyant also spoke to the Governor about Flint funding needs. A meeting is
scheduled for October 7 at 8:00 a.m. to further discuss proposals.
e What we are telling Flint citizens is:
Have your water tested
Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing formula
Run water before use if it has not been used for several hours
Obtain a water filter approved for lead removal
Purchase lead-free plumbing components
Remove entire lead service lines
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