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Lead in Flint water drops to 3 parts-per-billion

STEVE CARMODY / MICHIGAN RADIO

Flint continues to make progress in reducing lead in its drinking water.

Five years ago, tests showed Flint’s drinking water contained high levels of lead contamination. 20 parts per billion.

That's more than 6 times the levels of lead recorded in the latest round of tests which show the level of lead has dropped to three parts per billion. Well within state and federal standards. Though No level of lead is considered safe for humans.

Mayor Sheldon Neeley concedes the GOOD results will not be enough to convince skeptical Flint residents to trust their tap water is safe....

“I can’t blame residents for having some pause as it relates to it. It’s about process and about time.”

Flint residents have until the end of this week to agree to be part of a free program to replace lead and galvanized pipes connecting Flint homes to city water mains.

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005.
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