Flint Water Falls Below Federal Lead Limit

Falls below "Action level" of 15 ppb

LANSING, Mich. (AP) – Michigan environmental officials say Flint’s water system no longer has lead levels exceeding the federal limit.

The finding by the Department of Environmental Quality is good news for a city whose 100,000 residents have grappled with the man-made water crisis since 2014.

Officials told The Associated Press, ahead of an official announcement Tuesday, that the 90th percentile of lead concentrations in Flint was 12 parts per billion from July through December, below the “action level” of 15 ppb. It was 20 ppb in the six months prior.

State officials say Flint’s lead levels are now comparable to other U.S. cities, but residents are urged to continue to use filters due to the ongoing replacement of pipes, which could spike lead levels in some homes.

Flint’s emergency began when officials failed to properly treat lead lines for corrosion.