EPA’s Response to Flint Drinking Water Emergency
On January 16, 2016, President Obama signed an emergency declaration ordering federal assistance in Flint, Michigan. After transferring the water supply to Flint River, the citizens of Flint have experienced high lead levels in their tap water. Lead is particularly dangerous to children because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.
EPA has assembled the Flint Safe Drinking Water Task Force to provide expertise and assistance to help implement a plan to secure drinking water quality. The Task Force is working on identifying all sources of contamination, making sure the water system is being maintained properly and informing residents on how to limit exposure while developing a plan to restore safe drinking water.
Learn more about EPA’s response in Flint and the health effects of lead.
