FLINT, Mich. – Local, state and nonprofit volunteer teams will be canvassing the city of Flint this week to visit water system customers who have not been confirmed by officials to have received a filter, according to the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD).
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 25, the teams will be going to more than 2,300 households to check if a water filter is present and provide assistance as needed. To date, more than 25,600 homes—more than 91 percent of water system customers—are confirmed to have a water filter.
“Volunteer teams will be canvassing the city to ensure the remaining households on the water system that may not have a water filter for some reason are given the opportunity to have one,” said Capt. Chris Kelenske, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “We want all Flint water system customers to have access to safe and clean drinking water – the fastest way to achieve that is to make sure everyone is taking advantage of the filters and replacement cartridges being provided by the state.”
Individuals who are visiting Flint homes will be wearing and presenting official identification with a silver foil security seal. Residents should always request identification when someone offers water-related services at their home.
Under a consensus of local, state, federal and outside experts, water filters are effective in removing lead from water. All populations may now consume filtered water, including pregnant women and children under 6.
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 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.
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 will be supplied as needed to Flint water system customers through the water resource sites.
Since January 9, through Water Response Teams and Water Resource Sites, more than 1.6 million cases of bottled water; more than 124,100 water filters; more than 272,000 replacement cartridges; and more than 50,804 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.
