Flint to replace 18,000 lead-tainted water lines by 2020

Michigan and the city of Flint have agreed to replace thousands of home lead-tainted water lines. It will be under a deal to settle a lawsuit over lead-contaminated water in the troubled city.

A court filing says the city will replace at least 18,000 lead or galvanized-steel water lines by 2020. The state will cover the costs with state and federal money. The state said it will pay $87 million and keep another $10 million in reserve if necessary.

Historically, the water in the Flint River downstream has been of poor quality, and was severely degraded during the 1970s. This was due to “the presence of fecal coliform bacteria, low dissolved oxygen, plant nutrients, oils, and toxic substances.”

In 2001, the state ordered the monitoring and cleanup of 134 polluted sites within the Flint River watershed, including industrial complexes, landfills and farms laden with pesticides and fertilizer.

City officials tapped the Flint River and failed to treat the water to reduce corrosion, contaminating Flint’s water with lead for at least 18 months.

Source: CNN, NBC