EPA Sources of Lead in Drinking Water

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Questions and Answers

What was the original source of the city of Flint's water?

Lake Erie

Flint River

Michigan Lake

Lake Huron and the Detroit River (correct)

What was the reason for the lead contamination in the water supply?

The water from Lake Huron was contaminated with lead

The water pipes were too old

The officials failed to apply corrosion inhibitors to the water (correct)

The water from the Flint River was not treated

When did the city of Flint switch back to the Detroit water system?

October 2015 (correct)

January 2015

April 2014

September 2014

What was the result of the contamination of the water supply?

Around 100,000 residents were exposed to elevated lead levels Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of people in Flint live in poverty?

40% Signup and view all the answers

What was the effect of high blood lead levels on children and pregnant women?

They suffered from learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and mental retardation Signup and view all the answers

When did the city of Flint issue a boil water advisory?

August/September 2014 Signup and view all the answers

What was detected in the water in January 2015?

High levels of lead Signup and view all the answers

Who declared a state of emergency for Genesee County?

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder Signup and view all the answers

When did General Motors stop using water from the Flint River?

October 13, 2014 Signup and view all the answers

What was the immediate response of the state of Michigan to the high levels of total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) detected in Flint's water?

The state started buying bottled water for its employees at government offices. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) in water?

Reaction of chlorine with organic matter in water. Signup and view all the answers

Why did General Motors stop using Flint River water?

The water was too corrosive and damaged the company's equipment. Signup and view all the answers

What was the EPA's initial response to the high lead levels found in Flint's water?

The EPA downplayed the issue, claiming it was an isolated incident. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) attempt to address the high lead levels in Flint's water?

They dismissed two high lead samples from their report. Signup and view all the answers

What is the EPA's limit for lead in drinking water?

15 ppb Signup and view all the answers

Which of these actions was NOT taken by the state of Michigan in response to the Flint water crisis?

Immediately ordering the city to switch back to the Detroit water supply. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Lee Anne Walters' home in the Flint water crisis?

Her home was the first in Flint to have lead levels exceeding the EPA's limit. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary health concern associated with high levels of trihalomethanes (TTHMs) in drinking water?

Cancer and adverse reproductive outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary cause of the Flint water crisis?

The city's decision to switch to the Flint River water supply. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT identified as a source of lead in drinking water?

Copper pipe without lead solder Signup and view all the answers

What is the length of the Flint River?

78.3 miles Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Flint's population is below 18 years old?

24.9% Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following demographic statistics applies to Flint, Michigan?

51.9% female Signup and view all the answers

Which city is mentioned as a primary location along the Flint River?

Lapeer Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated income per capita in Flint?

$28,834 Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the household occupancy in Flint?

56.9% are owner occupied Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Flint's population lives in poverty?

38.8% Signup and view all the answers

What action did the City of Flint take in response to the water crisis?

Announced a lead in water advisory Signup and view all the answers

Which government body issued an emergency order regarding the Flint water crisis?

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of the Flint water crisis documented in the information?

Resignation of officials Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the public's response to the city's water quality during the crisis?

Increased usage of bottled water Signup and view all the answers

What major health concern did doctors identify in Flint children as a result of the water crisis?

High levels of lead in their bloodstreams Signup and view all the answers

When did the City of Flint reconnect to the Detroit water system?

October 2015 Signup and view all the answers

What did the Michigan Governor declare in relation to the Flint water crisis?

A state of emergency Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact on real estate due to the Flint water crisis?

Property values of 'old' homes tumbled Signup and view all the answers

What did the city provide to residents in response to the water contamination?

Free filters and water testing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following issues arose due to the water crisis in Flint?

Doubt about the quality of city water Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Sources of Lead in Drinking Water

Lead service lines, often found in older homes, are significant sources of lead contamination.
Copper pipes with lead solder can leach lead into the water supply.
Faucets and fixtures, especially those made before regulations on lead use, are potential sources.
Galvanized pipes can corrode and allow lead from inner surfaces to mix with the water.
Lead goose necks, connecting service lines to the main water supply, add to lead levels.

Flint, Michigan Overview

Flint is the largest city in Genesee County, Michigan, with a population of approximately 81,252 as of 2020.
The city is located 66 miles northwest of Detroit along the Flint River.
The Flint River runs 78.3 miles, flowing through multiple counties and cities.

Flint Water Crisis Timeline

In April 2014, Flint switched its water supply from treated Detroit Water and Sewerage Department water to the Flint River, leading to contamination.
Residents immediately reported issues with water quality, but officials denied significant concerns for months.
Lead levels spiked due to corrosion from aging pipes when corrosion inhibitors were not added, exposing around 100,000 residents to elevated lead levels.
The city reverted to the Detroit water supply on October 16, 2015, but extensive damage had already occurred.

Demographics of Flint

Population demographics show 54.1% Black or African American, 39.1% White, and 4.5% Hispanic or Latino.
38.8% of residents live in poverty, with a median income of $28,834.
Home values are significantly low, averaging around $29,500.

Health Impacts of Lead Exposure

Lead exposure can notably affect children's development, causing learning disabilities and behavioral problems.
High lead levels are especially harmful during pregnancy, posing risks for fetal development.

Water Quality Issues

E. coli and total coliform bacteria were detected in Flint's water, leading to boil advisories.
Trihalomethanes (TTHMs), disinfection byproducts, were found in violation of the Safe Drinking Water Act, posing health risks.

Response to the Crisis

The EPA and state officials eventually declared emergencies, prompting actions like free water testing and filter distribution.
High-profile resignations occurred, including state officials related to the water quality management.
Legal actions were initiated against several Flint city officials for their role in the crisis.

Current Situation

Despite the return to Detroit water, concerns linger about lead service lines still in use and overall water quality.
Many residents rely on bottled water due to distrust in municipal water safety.
The city continues to face economic struggles, with a decline in property values and uncertain future for clean water access.

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Description

Identify the sources of lead in home drinking water from pipes and plumbing fixtures according to the EPA. Learn about the risks of lead exposure in Flint, Michigan.