Feds Say Everyone in Flint Can Drink Filtered Tap Water

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Feds Say Everyone in Flint Can Drink Filtered Tap Water

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FLINT, Mich. — Jun 23, 2016, 12:19 PM ET

The federal government says filtered tap water is safe for everyone in Flint, Michigan, lifting a recommendation that pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under 6 drink only bottled water to avoid lead exposure.

The announcement Thursday is based on tests of filters that have been distributed for months for free by the state of Michigan and the federal government. The Environmental Protection Agency says the filters remove or reduce lead to well below the action level of 15 parts per billion.

The EPA says samples from high-risk areas in Flint have been coming back at less than 1 part per billion.

Flint used the Flint River as a water source for 18 months, but lead leached from old pipes at homes because the water wasn't treated to control corrosion.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/feds-flint-drink-filtered-tap-water-40076973

[FighttheFuture]

1. Seems like Russian Roulette.

Sure, the filters may work, but only for a time. They wear out and it may be depending on how contaminated the water going through it is in the first place. How will people know? Is there regular testing available for residents? New filters?

My other concern is many of these people are poorer so could not afford this unless it is provided, and may not be well educated on how to use this and maintain it. I have little faith n the EPA at this point and no faith in Michigan's state agencies and corrupt governor, Rick Snyder.

Finally, will this "pronouncement" mean they further delay at fixing the root problem: lead pipes with their internal coatings stripped off so the leach led all over the place?

Seems very chancy to me vs. having a clean water system. Even then, I would use some filtering, if feasible.