State blames commercial properties for slight increase in Flint water lead levels

Drinking Water in Flint Meets Safe Drinking Water Act Standards

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) announced on Monday that drinking water in the city of Flint remains within the federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards. However, the latest round of testing showed higher levels compared to the previous one.

Latest Sampling Results and Compliance

The latest drinking water sampling results revealed that the city’s 90th percentile result was 10 parts per billion (ppb), indicating that 90 percent of the test results were at or below this level. The federal action level is set at 15 ppb.

In August, the sampling results showed a level of 8 ppb.

These results are based on a six-month monitoring period from July 1 through Dec. 31. A total of 31 residences and 30 commercial properties were tested, with three locations exceeding the federal action level of 15 ppb.

Cause of Elevated Levels

According to EGLE, aging interior plumbing was identified as the cause of elevated lead levels in two of the three sites. Commercial properties often have lower water usage rates, leading to stagnation of water in the pipes and increased lead levels over time.

Eric Oswald, director of EGLE’s Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division, emphasized the need for modernizing household plumbing and promoting regular water usage in businesses to further reduce lead detections.

Ongoing Challenges in Flint

The latest sampling results highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Flint, a mid-Michigan city that experienced a drinking water crisis in 2014 due to high lead levels. Elin Betanzo, founder of the Detroit drinking water consulting firm Safe Water Engineering, mentioned that the city is still awaiting the replacement of all its lead service lines and requires additional corrosion control measures to mitigate lead in household plumbing.

Betanzo stated, “The work is not yet done in Flint. Residents continue to need reliable access to safe drinking water – 10 ppb of lead in the water is never okay to drink! It’s time to get the lead service lines out once and for all.”

Over 95% of Flint’s residential sites have already had their lead service lines replaced. EGLE’s spokesperson, Scott Dean, mentioned that the city aims to complete the service line replacements by May. However, excavation and replacement efforts are currently on hold for the winter, pending permission from property owners.

Importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The situation in Flint aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations. These goals include:

1. Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
2. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
3. Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
4. Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Achieving these goals requires continued efforts to ensure safe drinking water for all communities, address infrastructure challenges, and promote sustainable practices.

Proposed Changes and Future Actions

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently pursuing a stronger Lead and Copper Rule. This proposed rule would require water systems to replace lead service lines within 10 years and lower the action level from 15 ppb to 10 ppb.

It is crucial to prioritize the health and well-being of communities by implementing necessary measures to prevent lead contamination and improve access to safe drinking water.

ckthompson@detroitnews.com

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
   • Indicator 6.1.2: Proportion of population with access to water supply services.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • Indicator 11.6.1: Proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and with adequate final discharge out of total urban solid waste generated, by cities.

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets identified are:

• Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
• Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to municipal waste management.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
• Indicator 6.1.2: Proportion of population with access to water supply services.
• Indicator 11.6.1: Proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and with adequate final discharge out of total urban solid waste generated, by cities.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: detroitnews.com

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