Water tests show fewer homes over the federal action level for lead in Flint

Water monitoring and response continues; sites are trending in the right direction

LANSING, Mich. – (RealEstateRama) — Results from round two of Sentinel Site water testing in Flint shows fewer sites are over the federal action level for lead than were found in round one, but concerns remain, Gov. Rick Snyder said today.

The state is continuing to monitor, analyze and respond to results on scientific water testing in Flint with updated data being collected regularly from approximately 600 Sentinel Sites.

Results from round two show 91.6 percent were at or below the federal action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb) and 8.4 percent were above 15 ppb. These are better results than round one, which had 90.4 percent at or below 15 ppb, and 9.6 percent above the federal action level of 15 ppb.

“The constantly updated information helps determine the quality of the water as it comes into people’s homes,” Snyder said. “This information also helps to get immediate attention to homes with high lead or high copper results, so we can investigate issues further and work quickly with residents to address health concerns.”

Sentinel Sites are locations across the city that are continually tested to gather scientifically sound data needed to determine when the water quality will be restored for the people of Flint. The sites were established by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and endorsed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in cooperation with residents.

While the data demonstrates there are still concerns – which are being immediately addressed by the state residential response teams – the lower number of samples over the federal action level shows results are trending in the right direction.

Testing will continue in two-week intervals for the Sentinel Sites, with sample results posted the week following the sample. Sentinel Site residences receive individual test results within a week by mail.

Data from the Sentinel Sites will continue to be collected for another five weeks.

Sentinel teams visiting homes include a member of the DEQ, a licensed plumber and a community member. The teams show residents how to draw samples of their water in a scientifically accurate manner so they may submit regular samples to the state for testing.

For all residential water testing samples, home follow-up visits have been streamlined so that homes with levels higher than 150 parts per billion are to be contacted by MDEQ and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services within 48 hours. Homes with levels between 100 and 150 ppb are contacted within seven days for a home visit. NSF-approved filters distributed by the state are certified for lead reduction up to 150 ppb. For those over 15 ppb, residents are encouraged to submit a repeat sample as part of the in-home follow-up.

All residents are reminded to flush their water system, clean aerators and continue to use filters.

A home visit includes:

Water testing and sampling information
Inspection by the Flint Local 370 Plumbers Union (field verification of service line, aerator cleanout, filter check)
Additional bottled water, filters and water sample kits
Health and wellness information
Off-site blood test referral
Assistance with transportation support for appointments, as necessary
Additional information about the Flint water emergency is available at www.michigan.gov/flintwater, by calling United Way 211 or visiting www.helpforflint.com.