Dear Campus Community,
You may be aware of the recent announcement by the City of Flint that the water system was in a non-emergency violation of a drinking water standard. The full announcement from the City is attached.
Both the City and the Genesee County Health Department have reassured citizens that it is safe to use city water and that corrective actions are not necessary. Regular testing of the water supply continues to take place to ensure usability and consumption is safe for citizens. The City has indicated that there is nothing individuals need to do unless you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, or are elderly. In that case, they recommend that you may be at an increased risk and should seek advice about the drinking water from your health care provider.
The University will be conducting monthly tests of the water that is used on campus. If there are any issues that are found as a result of the testing, that information will be communicated to the campus.
Generally speaking, there are no immediate actions that need to be taken by individuals regarding the safety of water in the City. In conversations that the UM-Flint Office of Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) has had with the Genesee County Health Department, there are a few recommendations that one might follow if concerned about total trihalomethanes (TTHMs):
- Use bottled water or
- Install point-of-use home water treatment systems on delivery lines in the house (faucet mount, pour through pitcher style, and plumbed-in units)
- It is important to note that when selecting/purchasing any water filter device that it is certified by National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or the Water Quality Association (WQA) to remove TTHMs (look for the seals on the box). The filters could be a pitcher style or a point of use treatment filter that can be mounted to the faucet, under the sink or on the counter top. These treatment devices are widely available for purchase at houseware or hardware stores.
If you have further questions, the EHS in collaboration with our campus student environmental club, Future Urban & Environment Leaders (F.U.E.L.) plan to host a brownbag luncheon discussion in the near future. All faculty, students, and staff are welcome to attend. Additionally, please feel free to contact the City of Flint or the County Health Department directly, if you so choose.
Thank you.
Mike Lane
UM-Flint Environment, Health, and Safety
City of Flint Water TTHM Release 1/2/15 (PDF)
City of Flint Letter to Residents (PDF)
