FLINT, Mich. – Flint water system customers residing in the 5th ward now have a nearby location to pick up bottled water, water filters, replacement cartridges and at-home water testing kits, according to the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD).
Last week, the Old Flint Farmers’ Market opened as the eighth Community Water Resource Site in the city of Flint. Residents in need of water supplies can visit the site during operating hours at 420 E. Boulevard Drive.
“We are moving forward on our commitment to open a Community Water Resource Site in each city ward,” said Capt. Chris Kelenske, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “Every location will be operational for the long-term, distributing water supplies—including bottled water and filters—after the federal declaration ends in mid-August. We continue to ensure Flint residents have easy access to safe, clean drinking water.”
The end of the Aug. 14 presidential declaration means the state of Michigan will pay for 100 percent of the water supplies being distributed in Flint. Currently, water supplies are purchased under a 75 percent federal and 25 percent state cost-sharing agreement.
To obtain water supplies or recycle water bottles and used cartridges, please visit any one of the seven locations:
- Ross Plaza, 2320 W. Pierson Road (Ward 1)
- CLOSED ON JULY 30: St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, 3020 DuPont St. (Ward 2)
- Universal Systems, 1401 E. Stewart Ave. (Ward 3)
- Franklin Avenue Lot, 2804 N. Franklin Ave. (Ward 4)
- NEW LOCATION: Old Flint Farmers’ Market, 420 E. Boulevard Drive (Ward 5)
- West Court Street Church of God, 2920 W. Court St. (Ward 6)
- Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center, 3501 Lapeer Road (Ward 7)
- Eastown Bowling Alley, 3001 S. Dort Highway (Ward 9)
The hours of operations for these community sites are:
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday: Noon – 6 p.m.
- Tuesday and Friday: Noon – 8 p.m.
MSP/EMHSD and Genesee County personnel are finalizing plans for a Community Water Resource Site for residents in the 8th ward.
Every Community Water Resource Site accepts water supply recycling. Residents can drop off empty water bottles and used cartridges at all seven water resource site locations.
Under a consensus of local, state, federal and outside experts, water filters are effective in removing lead from water. All populations may consume filtered water, including pregnant women and children under 6. Residents are encouraged to use their water as much as possible to prevent standing water and to reduce the risk of contaminants in the system.
At-home water testing kits can be dropped off at any Community Water Resource Site or Flint City Hall, located at 1101 Saginaw St. The Flint Water Plant is no longer accepting the water samples. Residents who are homebound or have access and functional needs can call United Way 2-1-1 to have water test kits delivered or picked up.
The state of Michigan’s mission continues to ensure Flint residents have access to safe, clean drinking water. Until the water meets quality standards, bottled water, water filters and replacement cartridges and bottled water will be supplied as needed to Flint water system customers through the water resource sites.
Since Jan. 9, through Water Response Teams and Water Resource Sites, more than 2 million cases of bottled water; more than 127,800 water filters; more than 282,200 replacement cartridges; and more than 52,200 at-home water testing kits have been distributed to Flint water system customers.
Additional information is available at michigan.gov/flintwater, by calling United Way 211 or visiting helpforflint.com. For information about Medicaid eligibility visit michigan.gov/mibridges or call the Michigan Health Care Help Line, 1-855-789-5610, TTY 1-866-501-5656.
The State of Michigan continues to coordinate response efforts in partnership with federal agencies, the city of Flint, Genesee County and local community organizations.
