Mayor Declares State of Emergency in Flint

To help with the Flint Water Emergency, see How Can I Help?

On Monday, December 14, 2015, newly elected Mayor Karen Weaver declared a State of Emergency in response to the man-made disaster caused by the City’s water source being switched to the Flint River in 2014. The switch was made, without the proper corrosion control measures in place, which resulted in lead from the lead water service lines leeching into the drinking water. This prompted both the City and the County Health Department to issue a health advisory earlier in 2015. It is important that residents get their water tested as regularly as possible and not consume City water without using a filter.

Genesee County supported the call to action by declaring an emergency on January 4th, 2016. The State of Michigan followed suit with a declaration on January 5th. On January 12th, the Governor activated the National Guard to assist with water and filter distribution to Flint Water Customers.

The City of Flint switched back to receiving water from the Great Lakes Water Authority as its primary water source on October 16, 2015. However, with some homes continue to have elevated lead levels. Residents are advised to continue using water filters and bottled water while Mayor Weaver’s FAST Start pipe replacement project is underway. It is important to use an NSF certified water filter that specifically removes lead. Boiling water is not advised, as it will not remove lead from the water.

Water filters, bottled water and at-home water test kits are being provided to Flint residents free of charge at Help Centers located around the city. For questions about filters, or other issues/concerns related to the water crisis call 211. For general information call City Hall at 810-766-7165. Residents may also obtain free filters and at-home water test kits at City Hall.

Additional information can be found at:

http://www.flintcares.com

Where to get water and test kits:

*Effective April 16, 2018, Flint residents can go to any of the following Help Centers to obtain water and other related supplies. The Help Centers are open on the following days from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.:

Monday:
Bethel United Methodist Church 1
1309 N. Ballenger Hwy, Flint, MI  40504

Tuesday:
Asbury United Methodist Church
1653 Davison Rd. Flint, MI  48506

Thursday:
Greater Holy Temple Church of God in Christ
6702 N. Dort Hwy, Flint, MI 48505

Residents in need of a water filter or filter cartridge should Call for CORE at 810-238-6700
The Community Outreach Education (CORE) program was established to help ensure that Flint residents know how to properly install, use and maintain water filters so the filters can do what they are designed to do. CORE teams are comprised of Flint residents who have helped others overcome many of the same challenges others are facing. This video link describes the mission of CORE: https://www.cityofflint.com/2017/03/22/video-released-to-inform-flint-residents-about-core-program-and-workers/
The CORE Program will continue through 2018.

Water Testing

Free water test kits are available at Flint City Hall, at the Information Desk.