FLINT, Mich. – Bottled water, water filters, replacement cartridges and at-home water testing kits will be available to Flint water system customers as needed after the presidential emergency declaration ends on August 14, according to the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD).
“August 14 is just a date on the calendar, and as Governor Snyder has said, we will make decisions based on science, not arbitrary dates,” said Capt. Chris Kelenske, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “The state of Michigan’s mission will continue to ensure Flint residents have access to safe, clean drinking water. Until the water meets quality standards, we will provide water supplies to Flint water system customers at the water resource sites.”
Under the presidential declaration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been providing water resource assistance under a 75 percent federal and 25 percent state cost share. After mid-August, the state of Michigan will be responsible for 100 percent of the total cost of water supply purchases.
Aside from the state of Michigan taking on additional costs, Flint residents will not notice any loss of water emergency services. All other federal and state programs and services supporting the Flint response will continue as well.
To obtain water supplies or recycle water bottles and used cartridges, please visit any one of the following locations:
- Ross Plaza, 2320 W. Pierson Road (Ward 1)
- Universal Systems, 1401 E. Stewart Ave. (Ward 3)
- West Court Street Church of God, 2920 W. Court St. (Ward 6)
- Dort Federal Credit Union Event Center, 3501 Lapeer Road (Ward 7)
- Eastown Bowl 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.
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.
A consensus among state, federal and independent water quality experts shows Flint’s water quality continues to improve and is safe to drink as long as a filter is in place. Out of an abundance of caution, pregnant and nursing mothers and children under 6 years old are recommended to continue to drink bottled water. Additionally, based on current state and federal guidance, it’s safe for Flint residents to bathe.
Since January 9 through Water Response Teams and Water Resource Sites, more than 1.36 million cases of bottled water; more than 122,100 water filters; more than 265,900 replacement cartridges; and more than 50,100 at-home water testing kits have been distributed to Flint water system customers.
Additional Community Water Resource Sites are expected to open in city neighborhoods over the next few months. These sites will be staffed by Flint residents, with hiring coordinated by GST Michigan Works! Applications are still being accepted at gsworks.org.
The state of Michigan continues to coordinate response efforts in partnership with federal agencies, the city of Flint, Genesee County and local community organizations. Efforts include expanded Medicaid services, increased access to nutritious foods, and expanded early childhood education.
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.
