Flint's Lead Pipe Lawsuit Closes After Decade, $100 Million Spent
The legal battle to fix Flint, Michigan's drinking water system has officially concluded, marking the end of a nearly decade-long effort that involved replacing thousands of lead pipes.
Flint, Michigan's lawsuit concerning the replacement of lead pipes in its drinking water system has officially closed, capping a nearly 10-year effort that saw the replacement of close to 11,000 pipes and the restoration of over 28,000 properties.
The legal case stemmed from the city's 2014 water crisis, where inadequate water treatment caused lead to leach from aging pipes into residents' drinking water. While the federal court's oversight authority has ended, the city and state remain bound by federal and state laws regarding lead in drinking water.
"The federal court will no longer have oversight authority over the City’s responsibility to monitor its drinking water quality and replace lead pipes," said Addie Rolnick, an attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council. She noted that the city and state are still obligated to comply with regulations.
According to state officials, the replacement of the few remaining lead service lines is expected to be completed by the end of July. Approximately $100 million has been spent on these lead service line replacements in Flint.