New tests show lead levels in Flints water are back within federal standards.
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality says the new data shows more than 96% of the samples are at or below the 15 parts per billion (ppb) federal lead action level. It’s the sixth round of sentinel testing that has produced results within the federal lead action level.
The MDEQ’s results come after new independent testing by researchers from Virginia Tech University, which also showed improvement in Flint’s lead tainted tap water.
The state’s environmental regulators announced today Flint’s water now “easily meets the federal standards for lead.”
“This latest round of tests is a clear indication of the continued improvement in the Flint water system, and encouraging news for everyone working to help the people of Flint move forward,” says Gov. Rick Snyder.
Flint’s drinking water became contaminated after the city’s water source was switched to the Flint River in 2014. The water was not properly treated. The highly corrosive water damaged city pipes, which started leeching lead. The city’s water source was switched back to Detroit in late 2015.
Officials with the MDEQ will meet with federal officials and scientists next month in Chicago to compare data and figure out next steps to resolve the water crisis.
Despite the latest results, the state is still telling people in Flint to use certified filters while lead service lines are being replaced.
