Statement by Congressman Dan Kildee on Flint Water Technical Advisory Committee Meeting

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) issued the following statement today after the Technical Advisory Committee met and recommended that the city of Flint reconnect to the Detroit water system:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 8, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — “Reconnecting to the Detroit water system is the right next step if it restores confidence among Flint residents about the quality of drinking water. The lead levels reported in Flint’s water are unacceptable and Flint residents deserve access to safe water.

“However, reconnecting to Detroit does not entirely solve the problem. The state’s previous decision to go to the Flint River source, and the corrosive nature of its water, could have already done permanent damage to the city’s water distribution system. Flint’s infrastructure, already aging and in need of repair, very well likely needs major investments.

“That’s why in addition to immediate actions to deliver safe water, including lead-clearing filters and bottled water, we must focus on the long-term solutions to improve the quality of Flint’s water.

“I continue to press various federal agencies, including the EPA, for resources that may be available to address the water quality in Flint. It is also incumbent on the state of Michigan to act. The decision to switch to the Flint River water source was made while the city was under state control, and it is the state’s responsibility to provide the necessary support to the city of Flint to ensure safe drinking water.”