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Michigan city with lead in water ordered to fix water plant

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan city that is urging residents not to drink tap water failed to timely warn people about high levels of lead and must make improvements at the water plant, federal regulators said Tuesday after an inspection revealed a variety of problems.

The Environmental Protection Agency said the situation was dire enough to order Benton Harbor to consider turning the water system over to someone else.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/ap-michigan-city-lead-water-fix-plant/

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Software to help inventory lead water lines in Detroit

DETROIT (AP) — A high-tech strategy could help Detroit save $165 million while also pinpointing the number of lead water lines in the city.

Data crunched with software from technology startup BlueConduit will hopefully provide a report of the probable locations and number of lead lines, the water department said.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/11/ap-software-inventory-lead-water-detroit/

The Associated Press

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Check this Michigan map for childhood lead levels in your community

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/michigan-map-for-childhood-lead-levels-community/

Bridge Michigan

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Why are so many Michigan water systems finding lead? They’re looking harder

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/michigan-water-systems-finding-lead/

Bridge Michigan

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Seven Years On: The Flint water crisis has yet to conclude

Although it’s been seven years since the Flint water crisis became one of the state’s biggest public health disasters, Flint’s struggle with both the repercussions of the initial incident and with getting clean water have not ended. The court cases continue to unfold, and the city slowly replaces its lead lines.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/seven-years-flint-water-crisis/

Natasha Blakely

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In: AP, Drinking Water, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Michigan city declares emergency over lead; governor visits

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said she visited Benton Harbor on Tuesday to listen to residents who have been urged to use bottled water because of elevated levels of lead in their tap water.

Whitmer’s stop, which wasn’t publicly disclosed until it was over, came hours after city commissioners unanimously declared an emergency and empowered Mayor Marcus Muhammad to lead Benton Harbor’s response.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/ap-michigan-city-declares-emergency-governor/

The Associated Press

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Arbitrator: Official wrongly fired in Flint water scandal

By Ed White, Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — The only Michigan official fired in the Flint water catastrophe likely was a “public scapegoat” who lost her job because of politics, an arbitrator said in ordering $191,880 in back pay and other compensation.

It’s a remarkable victory for Liane Shekter Smith, who served as head of the state’s drinking water office when Flint’s water system was contaminated with lead.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/ap-official-wrongly-fired-flint-water/

The Associated Press

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In: contaminants, Lead, water

Children’s health advocates are pushing to install drinking water filters in Michigan schools and child care centers to protect them from lead poisoning. 

The post Drinking water filters eyed as better option to testing in Michigan schools and day care centers first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/10/20/drinking-water-filters-eyed-as-better-option-to-testing-in-michigan-schools-and-day-care-centers/

Guest Contributor

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In Benton Harbor, residents’ complaints of lead-tainted water carry echoes

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/benton-harbor-residents-complaints-lead-tainted-water/

Bridge Michigan

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Intervention: Doctor who exposed Flint’s lead levels sees similarities in Benton Harbor water crisis

For Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, advocating for safe drinking water for Benton Harbor was an easy decision.

She called it a “duh” moment, a “choiceless choice.” Of course she would join a group of citizens and activists in requesting the U.S. EPA to use its emergency intervention authority in Benton Harbor, she said.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/intervention-doctor-lead-levels-benton-harbor-water-crisis/

Gary Wilson

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City in Michigan urged to use bottled water due to lead risk

By Ed White, Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — Michigan on Wednesday urged residents of Benton Harbor to use only bottled water for cooking and drinking, a major shift in response to the city’s elevated levels of lead.

The state recently said it would distribute free water and filters in the southwestern Michigan city.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/ap-benton-harbor-bottled-water-lead-risk/

The Associated Press

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Drinking Water News Roundup: Indiana iron spill, Michigan lead reduction plan, potential nuclear accident in Ontario

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and
towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to
everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

Keep up with drinking water-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/10/drinking-water-indiana-iron-michigan-lead-nuclear-ontario/

Maya Sundaresan

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Michigan sending water, filters to Benton Harbor due to lead

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (AP) — The state of Michigan will provide bottled water and water filters in Benton Harbor, where tests have revealed elevated levels of lead, a spokesman said Wednesday.

The action comes less than two weeks after about 20 groups urged the Biden administration to immediately step in.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/ap-michigan-sending-water-filters-to-benton-harbor-due-to-lead/

The Associated Press

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Community Assistance: Report finds disparities in drinking water fund distribution

Drinking water systems in small and more diverse communities nationwide are less likely to receive state funding through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, according to a recent report.

Through the fund, the EPA awards grants to each state and the states add a 20% match, according to the agency.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/09/report-disparities-drinking-water-fund-distribution-inequity/

Taylor Haelterman

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Some Chicagoans Wary of Lead Pipe Replacement

By Laura Gersony, Circle of Blue

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/chicago-wary-lead-pipe-replacement/

Circle of Blue

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‘Some crumbs’: Critics urge rejection of $641M Flint deal

By Ed White, Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — A federal judge listened Tuesday to Flint residents who were victims of the city’s lead-contaminated water, a step in determining whether she should sign off on a $641 million deal that would settle claims against the state of Michigan.

More than a dozen people without lawyers signed up to speak, all in opposition.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/07/ap-critics-urge-rejection-flint-settlement-deal/

The Associated Press

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Federal authorities have charged the owner and manager of more than 100 buildings in Buffalo with conspiracy for violating laws intended to protect tenants from lead paint poisoning.

The post Feds file conspiracy charges against owner, manager, of Buffalo properties with long-running lead paint violations first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

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Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/06/21/feds-file-conspiracy-charges-against-owner-manager-of-buffalo-properties-with-long-running-lead-paint-violations/

Eric Freedman

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In: AP, Drinking Water, flint, Lead, Michigan, News
Dispute over Flint bone scan device heats up in water cases

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — Lawyers are defending the use of a handheld device to check for lead in Flint residents, despite the manufacturer’s warning that it wasn’t designed for that work.

The bone scan device has been a source of controversy in a $641 million settlement with people who were exposed to lead-contaminated water in Flint.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/06/ap-dispute-flint-bone-scan-device/

The Associated Press

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The problem within: Biden targets lead pipes, pushes equity

By Aamer Madhani, Associated Press Writer

CHICAGO (AP) — In the modest bungalows and two-flats of Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, there’s never a shortage of needed home repairs staring residents in the face. And then there is the less obvious but more ominous problem lurking in their pipes.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/04/the-problem-within-biden-targets-lead-pipes-pushes-equity/

The Associated Press

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Judge rejects effort to extend sign-up for Flint water cash

By Ed White, Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — A judge on Friday rejected a sudden effort to extend Monday’s deadline to register for a share of a $641 million Flint water lawsuit settlement.

U.S. District Judge Judith Levy said she won’t upset a well-publicized 60-day deadline that was baked into a settlement involving Flint, the state of Michigan, residents who were exposed to lead-contaminated water, and other parties.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/ap-judge-rejects-effort-to-extend-sign-up-for-flint-water-cash/

The Associated Press

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Drinking Water News Roundup: New York water standards deferrals, microplastics in Pennsylvania

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

Keep up with drinking water-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • Brain-damaging Lead Found in Tap Water From Most Illinois Communities During the Past 6 Years – Chicago Tribune

More than 8 of every 10 Illinoisans live in a community where brain-damaging lead was found in the tap water of at least one home during the past six years, a new Chicago Tribune analysis found.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/drinking-water-news-new-york-microplastics-pennsylvania/

Grace Dempsey

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Drinking Water News Roundup: New York water standards deferrals, microplastics in Pennsylvania

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

Keep up with drinking water-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • Brain-damaging Lead Found in Tap Water From Most Illinois Communities During the Past 6 Years – Chicago Tribune

More than 8 of every 10 Illinoisans live in a community where brain-damaging lead was found in the tap water of at least one home during the past six years, a new Chicago Tribune analysis found.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/drinking-water-news-new-york-microplastics-pennsylvania/

Grace Dempsey

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In: AP, Feature Homepage, flint, Lead, Michigan, News
More than 30,000 registrations so far in Flint water deal

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — More than 30,000 registration forms have been received from people who want to participate in a $641 million Flint water lawsuit settlement.

The deadline is next Monday.

“The registrations are coming in at a pretty brisk pace but timing matters so I just want to repeat that deadline,” U.S.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/ap-more-than-30000-registrations-flint-water-deal/

The Associated Press

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In: Agriculture, Algae Blooms, Budget, Drinking Water, Feature Homepage, harmful algal blooms, James Proffitt, lake erie, Latest News, Lead, News, Ohio, Policy, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, wetlands
H2Ohio: Agency directors focus on wetlands, farmer subsidies, replacing lead lines

The first full-year report for Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s much-publicized H2Ohio water quality initiative is out.

Introduced in 2019, the plan has already reaped benefits for Ohio residents and will continue to expand in its scope, according to officials charged with its implementation.

The report was offered in a web presentation by Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Dorothy Pelanda, Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Director Laurie Stevenson.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/h2ohio-agency-directors-wetlands-lead-agriculture/

James Proffitt

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Drinking Water News Roundup: Lead in NY schools, Minnesota water exhibit, Wisconsin water week

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

Keep up with drinking water-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • Eaton Boil Water Advisory Lifted – Star Press

A boil water advisory announced Thursday for the town of Eaton has been lifted after the issue was repaired and testing showed the water was safe, the town announced Saturday night.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/drinking-water-great-lakes-lead-schools-minnesota-water-exhibit-wisconsin/

Grace Dempsey

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In: AP, biden administration, Drinking Water, epa, flint, Groundwater Contamination, infrastructure, Lead, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Trump Administration, U.S. and Canadian Federal Governments
Biden EPA to reconsider Trump rule on lead in drinking water

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — The Biden administration said Wednesday it was delaying the effective date of a policy intended to prevent lead pollution of drinking water, continuing a decades-old debate over how to remove a serious health hazard to children.

The Environmental Protection Agency said it was suspending a regulatory rewrite completed by the Trump administration in December, which is being challenged in court by numerous states and advocacy groups.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/ap-biden-epa-trump-rule-lead-drinking-water/

The Associated Press

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Lawyers seeking 32% of $641M Flint tainted water settlement

By Ed White, Associated Press Writer

DETROIT (AP) — Lawyers who negotiated a $641 million settlement for victims of Flint’s lead-contaminated water are asking a judge to set aside up to 32% for fees and expenses for years of work on the case.

If granted, the request would total $202 million in fees and $7 million in expenses for dozens of attorneys who made a deal with the state of Michigan, Flint, a hospital and an engineering firm, according to a court filing Monday.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/03/ap-lawyers-32-percent-641m-flint-tainted-water-settlement/

The Associated Press

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In: infrastructure, Lead, water

Local officials predict it's enough to fund three years worth of work.

The post Removal fund covers up to 10% of Wisconsin’s private lead pipes needing replacement first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2021/03/03/removal-fund-covers-up-to-10-of-wisconsins-private-lead-pipes-needing-replacement/

Taylor Haelterman

On:
In: AP, flint, Lead, Michigan
Judge gives preliminary OK to $641M Flint water deal

By Ed White, Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — A judge granted preliminary approval Thursday to a $641 million deal that would benefit Flint residents who were harmed by lead-contaminated water.

The settlement includes $600 million from the state of Michigan, although Flint, an area hospital and an engineering firm are also part of the agreement.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/ap-judge-preliminary-ok-641m-flint-water-deal/

The Associated Press

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Q&A: How to protect against lead as Michigan waits for new water pipes

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/qa-how-to-protect-against-lead-as-michigan-waits-for-new-water-pipes/

Bridge Michigan

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Michigan cities must begin replacing lead pipes. But who has the cash?

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/michigan-cities-lead-pipes-funding/

Bridge Michigan

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Flint families welcome water crisis charges, seek healing

By Kat Stafford, Mike Householder and Corey Williams, Associated Press Writers

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — Flint mother Ariana Hawk struggled to find words. Bittersweet came to mind, as did frustrated.

“I literally could have cried,” said Hawk, sitting in her car after learning Tuesday that former Michigan Gov.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/ap-flint-families-welcome-water-crisis-charges-seek-healing/

The Associated Press

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Ex.-Michigan Gov. Snyder charged in Flint water crisis

By Ed White and David Eggert, Associated Press Writers

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder was charged Wednesday with willful neglect of duty after an investigation of ruinous decisions that left Flint with lead-contaminated water and a regional outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease.

The charges, revealed in an online court record, are misdemeanors punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/ex-michigan-gov-snyder-charged-in-flint-water-crisis/

The Associated Press

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Flint water crisis: Rooted in neglect, fallout continues

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, his health director and other ex-officials have been told they’re being charged after a new investigation of the Flint water scandal, The Associated Press has learned.

Questions and answers about the crisis that made Flint a symbol of the nation’s decaying drinking water infrastructure:

WHAT HAPPENED, AND HOW?

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/ap-flint-water-crisis-fallout-continues/

The Associated Press

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Michigan plans to charge ex-Gov. Snyder in Flint water probe

By Ed White and David Eggert, Associated Press Writers

DETROIT (AP) — Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, his health director and other ex-officials have been told they’re being charged after a new investigation of the Flint water scandal, which devastated the majority Black city with lead-contaminated water and was blamed for a deadly outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in 2014-15, The Associated Press has learned.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/ap-michigan-plan-charge-ex-gov-snyder-flint-water-probe/

The Associated Press

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Years After Flint Water Crisis, Lead Lingers in School Buildings

By Jane Johnston, Circle of Blue

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/years-after-flint-water-crisis-lead-lingers-school-buildings/

Circle of Blue

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Demands for change, requests for information pertaining to Flint water settlement

By Amy Diaz, Flint Beat, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

Flint, MI– A Flint activist and a Flint attorney are each taking action regarding the $641.25 million water lawsuit settlement the City joined two weeks ago.

Flint City Council voted to approve the city joining the settlement with $20 million of insurance funds, to the dismay of many citizens who were disappointed in the terms and amount of the settlement.

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Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2021/01/demands-change-requests-information-flint-water-settlement/

Flint Beat

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Critics say EPA allowing more time to fix lead-tainted water

By Ellen Knickmeyer, Associated Press Writer

The Trump administration overhauled the country’s widely criticized, 29-year-old framework to eliminate toxic lead from drinking water on Tuesday last week, but critics charge that the new rule gives utilities far more time than before to finally replace old, lead-contaminated pipes.

The new rules come six years after the Flint, Michigan, water crisis highlighted ongoing, dangerous exposure of children and others in the city to the neurotoxin in drinking water, and the failures of officials on all levels to adequately protect local families at the time.

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https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/ap-critics-epa-lead-tainted-water/

The Associated Press

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In: Drinking Water, Environmental Justice, Lead, lead and copper rule

Is Lead in Your Drinking Water?

When you turn on the faucet to get a drink of water, the last thing you want to worry about is whether the water is safe to drink. Because lead and other toxic chemicals like PFAS can’t be detected by appearance or taste, testing water is the only way to know if it is safe. Regulations require periodic testing of public water supplies for lead. 

Since the primary source of lead in the drinking water is lead pipes that bring the water to the house, (lead service lines) from the bigger water main, an improved way of testing is revealing that many public water supplies have elevated lead levels.

Currently in Michigan, at least 20 public water systems have elevated lead levels that violate state regulations (above 15 parts per billion or ppb). There is no safe amount of lead in drinking water. Lead was detected above 1 ppb in over 900 public water systems. Clearly, we have a lead problem.

Exposure to lead in drinking water, as well as other sources such as lead paint, or dust from demolition is never safe.  Lead is extremely toxic and harmful to people of all ages.  In children it affects brain development and can reduce IQ and contribute to behavioral problems. In adults it increases cardiac disease, harms kidneys, and causes reproductive problems. A recent study estimated that for each lead service line replaced it would save $22,000 by reducing cardiac health problems. Considering the average cost to replace a lead line is $5,000 that is a sizable return on investment.

Freshwater Future is here to support residents and communities with reducing lead in drinking water. We hosted two webinars to help community members understand the regulations and provide guidance on how to push for solutions for communities with elevated lead levels, based on The Lead and Copper Rule Handbook developed by our partners at the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center.  The webinars can be viewed online (No fee to view, but registration is required). 

The Flint Water Crisis and the 2020 election reminded us that democracy is not a spectator sport. Our government functions best when residents are engaged, asking questions, and participating in forming solutions. If your community has elevated lead, we are here to support you.

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Blog – Freshwater Future

Blog – Freshwater Future

https://freshwaterfuture.org/uncategorized/is-lead-in-your-drinking-water/

Alexis Smith

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In: AP, Drinking Water, flint, Groundwater Contamination, Lead, Michigan, News
Flint joins $641M deal to settle lawsuits over lead in water

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — The Flint City Council on Tuesday signed off on its portion of a $641 million settlement with residents of the poor, majority-Black city who were exposed to lead-tainted water.

The city’s insurer would kick in $20 million as part of a sweeping deal to settle lawsuits against Flint, the state of Michigan and other parties.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/ap-flint-joins-641m-deal/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, Drinking Water, flint, Groundwater Contamination, Lead, Michigan, News
Judge plans to hear from residents in $641M Flint water deal

By Ed White, Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) — A judge said Monday that she’ll wait until January before deciding whether to give preliminary approval to a $641 million settlement in a lawsuit by Flint residents who were exposed to water contaminated with lead and bacteria.

Residents in the city of 100,000 still will get a chance to give their opinion if preliminary approval is granted, U.S.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/ap-judge-residents-641m-flint-water-deal/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, Budget, flint, Lead, Michigan, News, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice
Flint water settlement borrowing plan approved by lawmakers

By David Eggert, Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan legislators on Wednesday finalized a plan to borrow $600 million to finance the state’s proposed settlement with the residents of Flint, whose water was contaminated with elevated levels of the neurotoxin lead.

The legislation received House approval on 105-3 and 104-4 votes and will be signed by Democratic Gov.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/ap-flint-water-settlement-borrowing-plan-approved-by-lawmakers/

The Associated Press

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In: AP, flint, Groundwater Contamination, Lead, Michigan, News
Michigan will borrow $600M for Flint water settlement

By David Eggert, Associated Press

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan lawmakers on Wednesday planned to begin swiftly passing a plan to borrow $600 million to fund the state’s proposed settlement with the residents of Flint, who sued after their municipal water supply was contaminated with elevated levels of lead for 18 months.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/ap-michigan-borrow-600m-flint-water-settlement/

The Associated Press

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In: Collaboration, Drinking Water, flint, Groundwater Contamination, groundwater contamintation, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
What should justice look like for Flint after the water crisis? Residents weigh in

By Amy Diaz, Flint Beat, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

Flint, MI– Lorraine Taylor remembers when she first started having to fit bottled water into her already tight $20 weekly grocery budget.

She remembered thinking about how blessed she was to have a car so she could drive to the grocery store.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/what-should-justice-look-like-for-flint-after-the-water-crisis-residents-weigh-in/

Flint Beat

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In: AP, flint, Groundwater Contamination, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News
Officials: Flint makes progress toward ending water crisis

By John Flesher, AP Environmental Writer

Flint has taken important steps toward resolving the lead contamination crisis that made the impoverished Michigan city a symbol of the drinking water problems that plague many U.S. communities, officials said Monday.

A total of $120 million in federal and state funding has helped Flint replace more than 9,700 lead service lines, which carry water from main pipes into homes, said Kurt Thiede, administrator of the U.S.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/ap-officials-flint-makes-progress-toward-ending-water-crisis/

The Associated Press

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In: Climate change, Drinking Water, Groundwater Contamination, Indiana, indigenous communities, infrastructure, Lake Michigan, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Minnesota, News, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Quebec, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts, Water Withdrawals, waukesha, Wisconsin
Drinking Water News Roundup: Indiana utilities plan for climate change, Waukesha pipeline construction begins

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

Keep up with drinking water-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Indiana:

  • ‘Will We Have Water When We Need It?’: How Indiana Utilities Are Preparing for Climate Change – Indiana Star

Just 150 miles from Lake Michigan, utility planners are worried about finding enough water to supply a growing Indianapolis because of climate change.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/12/drinking-water-climate-change-lead-first-nations-waukesha-pipeline/

Grace Dempsey

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In: Collaboration, Drinking Water, flint, Groundwater Contamination, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, News, Water quality, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
How does a $641 million Flint water settlement get to residents? Attorneys give answers

By Amy Diaz, Flint Beat, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

Flint, MI– Attorneys involved in the Flint Water Litigation provided an overview of the $641.25 million water settlement Nov. 23 on the City of Flint Facebook page.

This information session followed the proposal of a $20 million contribution to the settlement by the city’s insurer.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/641-million-flint-water-settlement-residents-attorneys/

Flint Beat

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In: Detroit, Drinking Water, Feature Detroit, Forever Chemicals Featured, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, Michigan, Mott Foundation Partnership, News, PFAS, Politics, Politics, Policy, Environmental Justice, Water Quality and Restoration Efforts
Michigan politicians ran on water problems. Activists want money for fixes.

By Kelly House, Bridge Michigan, through the Institute for Nonprofit News network

The Great Lakes News Collaborative includes Bridge Michigan; Circle of Blue; Great Lakes Now at Detroit Public Television; and Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR News Leader; who work together to bring audiences news and information about the impact of climate change, pollution, and aging infrastructure on the Great Lakes and drinking water.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

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Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/michigan-politicians-water-problems-activists-fixes/

Bridge Michigan

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In: Drinking Water, Enbridge Line 5 and Other Pipelines, flint, Groundwater Contamination, Illinois, Indiana, indigenous communities, Latest News, Lead, line 3, Michigan, Minnesota, News, oil pipelines, Ontario, Wisconsin
Drinking Water News Roundup: Wisconsin sets caps for 22 contaminants, lead pipes more likely in POC communities

From lead pipes to PFAS, drinking water contamination is a major issue plaguing cities and towns all around the Great Lakes. Cleaning up contaminants and providing safe water to everyone is an ongoing public health struggle.

Keep up with drinking water-related developments in the Great Lakes area.

Click on the headline to read the full story:

Illinois:

  • People of Color in Illinois More Likely to Live in Communities with Lead Pipes – WBEZ.org Chicago NPR

Research has long shown that pollution often disproportionately affects low income — especially Black and brown — communities.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/drinking-water-wisconsin-contaminants-lead-pipes/

Grace Dempsey

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In: AP, flint, Groundwater Contamination, infrastructure, Latest News, Lead, lead pipes, Michigan, News, water
Flint water lawsuit settlement now totals about $641 million

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The proposed settlement of a lawsuit filed on behalf of residents of Flint, Michigan, who were harmed by lead-tainted water now totals about $641 million, officials revealed Tuesday.

The lawsuit was the result of workers following state environmental officials’ advice not to use anti-corrosive additives.

Read Now at Great Lakes Now.

Original Article

Great Lakes Now

Great Lakes Now

https://www.greatlakesnow.org/2020/11/ap-flint-water-lawsuit-settlement/

The Associated Press