Flint control AX-15-000-7426 WH
- From
- Erik Sulej
For your records.
Erik §. Sulej
Ground Water and Orinking Water Branch
US. Environmental Protection Agency, Region &
77 Wi lackson Blvd (WG-15H, Chicaga, iL 60604
Phone: (912) 886-3473 / Email: sulet eie@
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APR 1S 205
continues to worl
ou syster,
Racy Reapelanie
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Baclasure:
Richanl Berizie, MDEG
shed back to Detroit
ns, pleavecontadt
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Additional Information. April 2015
The source of drinking water for the City of Flint was changed from Detroit (which comes from
Lake Huron) to the Flint River at the end of April 2014. The quality of the water in the Flint
River is different than that from Lake Huron, and requires additional treatment to ensure an
acceptable quality drinking water. The MDEQ has been working closely with the Operator-in-
Charge at the Flint Water Treatment plant to ensure that the citizens of Flint are provided
drinking water that meets health standards, The use of Flint River water as a source for your
drinking water is an interim source. Flint plans to connect to the Karegnondi pipeline, which
will draw water from Lake Huron, in 2016.
Some citizens have noted concems regarding the health effects of TTHMs. By law, Flint must
inform consumers of health standard exceedances. The risk of developing long-term health
problems from TTHM exposure is low for those in general good health and can be a concern
- after years of ingestion. The risk of developing health problems is higher for some sub-
populations, such as the immune-compromised and pregnant women: therefore, this group may
want to seek alternative sources of water, such as bottled water, or purchase a home water
treatment device. Consumers may want to talk with their doctors to help them make individual
health decisions.
There has also been a concern regarding the high cost for drinking water in Flint. A part of the
water rate is based upon the amount of water the resident is using; however, the base rate/service
charge includes debt service charges and operation and maintenance costs of the water supply.
The Michigan Department of Treasury conducts annual financial audits of local units of
government in accordance with U.S. government auditing standards and Michigan Public Act 34
of 2001, the Municipal Finance Act. This includes Flint and its proprietary utility funds. While
these audits do not set the rate structure, they do ensure that funds generated through water rates
are accounted and directed in accordance with applicable laws.
Copies of these audits can be obtained online at the following location:
There is currently no Federal regulatory oversight of water utility rates in Michigan.
Telephone numbers for citizens to call if they have further concerns about their drinking water
. quality:
Flint Water Service Center deals with problems in the distribution
system: (810) 766-7202
Flint Water Treatment Plant deals with the actual treatment of the water prior
to its pumping into the distribution system: (810) 787-6537
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