Human Rights

The Lead Levels In Flint's Water Are Finally Going Down

The levels of lead in the Michigan city's water are within federal standards, according to a new report.

The Lead Levels In Flint's Water Are Finally Going Down
Getty Images
SMS

State officials say the water in Flint, Michigan, is on track to getting fixed. A Michigan Department of Environmental Quality report says the lead concentration in the water is down to 12 parts per billion. 

That's below the minimum required 15 ppb and much lower than the 20 ppb the city had in the prior six months. The report says Flint's lead levels are now comparable to the lead levels in other similarly sized cities.

Four More People Charged In Flint Water Crisis
Four More People Charged In Flint Water Crisis

Four More People Charged In Flint Water Crisis

Now, a total of 13 people have been charged.

LEARN MORE

But that doesn't mean residents can use their taps. The state warned Flint residents they still need to filter their drinking water because lead service lines are being replaced, and that could disrupt the clean water supply.

But even if that goes well, it could be hard for residents to regain trust in the city's water after such a prolonged problem.

For more than two years, Flint residents haven't been able to use the water from their faucets after the city switched its water supply. Excess lead exposure can cause slowed growth and lower IQs in children.