Updates on Flint Water Safety & Steps You Can Take
October 2016
What water is safe to use?
Flint residents should continue to use filtered or bottled water for drinking, cooking and brushing teeth. Make sure your filter is
properly certified and installed.
What else can I do?
Every time you run your water - whether from your faucet, your
bathtub or even your hose - you are helping improve the condition
of the pipes in your home.
Running your water for a few minutes every day is especially
important if construction is happening in your area.
For more information: www.epa.gov/flint

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Flint Drinking Water System Status
Lead levels in Flint's drinking water system continue to improve, as shown in the graph below. Sampling data also shows a
difference in lead levels from home to home, meaning further review is necessary through the end of the calendar year.
Experts believe that low water use in some homes and disturbances (from construction, pipe replacement, etc.) are the
primary cause of some higher lead levels. EPA sampling will continue for the next several months.

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source: Virginia Tech
Orthophosphate
treatment, to rebuild the protective scale in pipes,
is being maintained throughout the system.
EPA is monitoring chlorine in the system to ensure
that there is an adequate barrier against bacteria.
When levels are low in an area, the City of Flint
flushes lines to improve chlorine concentration.
EPA funded Virginia Tech to sample homes in Flint.
Overall lead levels are improving. As of September, 95% of samples
are at or below the action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb) for lead.
*Regular water use by residents and businesses will
improve orthophosphate and chlorine levels and
overall water quality in the system.

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