FLINT, Mich. – Pregnant and nursing women along with young children and babies in Flint no longer need to drink bottled water to avoid lead exposure as long as they use filters, the Health and Human Services announced Thursday.
“Out of an abundance of caution we advised to protect the most vulnerable population – young children and babies, children under the age of six and pregnant women and nursing women should use bottled water until filters could be further evaluated," said Dr. Nicole Lurie, Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response.
“Today, I am pleased to announce that we finally have enough data to agree that the filters work so well to remove the lead that everyone in flint even pregnant women, nursing moms and young children can used filtered water here”
Filters distributed by the state of Michigan have shown to be effective in removing lead to levels well below EPA’s action level of 15 parts per billion.
Researchers at Virginia Tech University and NSF International both agree the use of verified filters makes the water safe to drink for everyone in Flint.
Dr. Lurie says filters are available for free from the city, and if residents need help with either obtaining and installing the filters or changing the cartridges, to call 211 for help.
“There are lots and lots of services available to help you at this point” Dr.Laurie said.
Mayor Weaver urged Flint residents to remain diligent in making sure the filters are properly installed and continuously maintained. She says the Thursdays update is “encouraging news.”
The Mayor said the US Department of Labor has begun training locals in Flint to help their neighbors install the filters properly. She also showed her gratitude towards the teams helping to fix the water crisis which has severely impacted the city.
I appreciate the careful work that has been done by the EPA” said Mayor Weaver “We’re coming together to make these things happen”
Gov. Rick Snyder said the good news shows there is progress improving the overall water quality in Flint.
“We have worked closely with our partners at all levels of government to restore the water in Flint and help the people of Flint recover from this crisis. The people of Flint deserve a lot of credit, as well, because many of them helped with the water system recovery by participating in the flushing program." Said Gov. Snyder “By continuing to work together, we can move Flint forward with good water and a healthy outlook for its future.”
The Flint water crisis began in 2014 when the state switched from the Detroit water system to the Flint river to save money. The water was not treated properly with anti-corrosive chemicals which caused lead to seep into water lines.