New Report Shows Flint Water May Have Unhealthy Lead Levels

Results from an independent study of Flint water by a Virginia Tech professor, showed that the lead levels in the water are higher than previously thought.

Professor Marc Edwards oversaw the study of 300 random water samples from Flint homes.  Mlive reported that the research showed dangerously high lead levels in the water.

On Monday, Aug. 31, the researchers reported 42 percent of 120 initial samples from Flint had lead levels that were more than 5 parts per billion, which suggests a serious lead-in-water problem, according to our experience and criteria.

Explaining the science behind why the lead levels are so high can be confusing.  The watered down version is that the water from the Flint river leaches more lead from the current pipe system than the water from Detroit did.

Even low levels of lead can cause serious problems with young children, so it is no surprise that residents are angry about the results. Edwards commented on his results by saying,

If it were me, I would not be using (Flint River water) for cooking or drinking unless I had it tested for lead,"

If you would like a free, independent water test call 810-787-6537 or email flintwater@cityofflint.com.