Politics & Government

Crews replace a lead water service line in Flint.

Ripple Effects of the Flint Water Crisis

In this series, Michigan Radio's Lindsey Smith looks at how the Flint water crisis has affected, or could affect, other water systems in Michigan - especially those with lead water service lines. It also considers how potential changes to lead in water rules at the federal, and especially the state level, will impact water systems. Scroll below to see the entire series of reports.

Flint restarting lead water pipe replacement after COVID-19 delay

Michigan Public | By Steve Carmody

Published June 3, 2020 at 7:58 AM EDT

Flint’spipe replacement project is restarting as the state liftsCOVID-19restrictions.

The city has been replacing lead and galvanized water service lines since 2016. The underground pipes connecting homes and businesses to city water mains were a primary source of lead in Flint’s tap water during the city’s water crisis.

City officials say the project is restarting now with social distancing and other safety measures to protect workers and property owners whose pipes are getting replaced.

The project missed a deadline to be completed last year. The COVID-19 pandemic dealt the project another two month delay.

City officials are optimistic they can finish it this year.

To date, more than 25,000 pipes have been inspected. More than 9,000 lead and galvanized pipes have been replaced.