It is expected that the thorough replacement from Flint River water to Detroit water will happen after approximately three weeks.
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“EPA is committed to working with our state and local partners to ensure a safe and reliable drinking water supply for the residents of Flint, Michigan”, Hedman said. The Task Force will also provide technical assistance to the MDEQ and the City of Flint, as needed, in advance of and following connection of the Flint water system to a new source of drinking water (to be supplied by the Karegnondi Water Authority) and to optimize corrosion control for the Flint system, starting in 2016.
“Unanimous support in both chambers to secure resources is heartening”, said Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich, D-Flint.
Word of the task force comes after Gov. Rick Snyder on Thursday approved $9.3 million in aid to address Flint’s water crisis.
Detroit water will be introduced into the Flint system throughout the evening. In the meantime, Flint started pulling water from the Flint River, sparking complaints that the water was discolored and foul-smelling.
A Michigan city will receive $6 million in state funding to help switch its drinking water source after lead problems prompted officials to declare a public health emergency.
Under the contract, the City of Flint will make monthly payments to DWSD.
DWSD Director Sue McCormick called the agreement an “extraordinary move” and said in a statement that the financial terms still are not finalized – but Flint will pay the DWSD for the water it uses each month, at rates that are consistent with similar customers.
The Flint River is more corrosive than Detroit’s water from Lake Huron and, because controls were not implemented, the river water picked up lead from aging pipes that connect water mains to houses and businesses. But the KWA is still under construction, though its completion date should coincide with the end of the temporary fix.
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The city of Flint is once again receiving water from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department.
