Flint Triumphs Over Water Crisis as EPA Lifts Emergency Order After

The ongoing issue of contaminated drinking water in Flint, Michigan has reached a key development. In an announcement shared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it has been declared that the city has met all the requirements set forth by the EPA's emergency order under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Administrator Lee Zeldin revealed that the order, in effect since January 2016, will now be rescinded after nearly a decade of concerted effort, dating back to the initial crisis.

Marking the conclusion of a period marked by concern and advocacy, EPA officials have identified this step as a significant development for Flint residents. "Today we celebrate nearly a decade’s worth of hard work and partnership at the local, state, and federal level to ensure the residents of Flint, Michigan, have access to clean, safe drinking water," said EPA Administrator Zeldin in the news release. Having been in compliance with lead standards since July 2016, Flint has seen its water system pass numerous tests. Completed by the city, the replacement of over 97% of the legacy lead pipes known as lead service lines.

As reported by EPA's news release, this milestone reflects the collective dedication of local, state, and federal entities in addressing the lead crisis. EPA Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel, referencing the hard work of the involved parties, mentioned the restoration of trust in Flint's water supply, stating, "With Flint's water system in compliance with lead standards, residents can trust in the quality of their water supply."

Flint's Mayor, Sheldon A. Neeley, acknowledged the efforts that led to this outcome, as implied by comments obtained from the EPA's news release. "The lifting of the EPA’s emergency order is a powerful testament to the strength, and advocacy of Flint residents," Neeley told EPA. He emphasized the ongoing dedication to maintaining a safe water system, stating, "We will continue to advance infrastructure, strengthen safeguards, and ensure that the mistakes of the past are never repeated." Flint's progress reflects the city's focus on addressing past challenges and ensuring improvements moving forward.

The scope of EPA's involvement has been extensive, encompassing both financial aid and expertise. More than $100 million in grants for drinking water infrastructure improvements were awarded to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) through the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act of 2016. The end of the emergency order now places the continued compliance and maintenance of Flint's water system primarily under EGLE's oversight, ensuring the community's access to safe water remains safeguarded for the long haul.