LANSING — Local experts and community leaders provided details this morning about how water filters would be distributed to Flint residents, and demonstrated how to install them. This assistance comes on the heels of $105,000 in combined donations for water filters announced yesterday by United Way, General Motors and the Making Our Children Smile Foundation.

City of Flint residents looking to obtain a filter should contact County Health Department at (810) 257-2158.

State legislators who represent the City of Flint are encouraged by the action but stated that much more needs to happen to ensure safe water for families. Sen. Jim Ananich (D-Flint) acknowledged that while this is a promising first step, it’s not enough.

“Everyone in our community deserves access to safe water,” Sen. Ananich said. “I will continue to fight for aggressive, comprehensive solutions until Flint families receive the relief they so desperately need and deserve.”

Rep. Sheldon Neeley (D-Flint) agreed with Sen. Ananich and stressed the importance of state action. “We can’t just rely on the kindness of strangers to protect our children,” Rep. Neeley said. “The governor and Department of Environmental Quality need to make this an urgent priority.” 

The state has already been urged by local lawmakers to consider a variety of solutions, including:

  • Swift transfer to a safe water source until the KWA pipeline project is complete;
  • Corrosion control, as recommended by independent scientific experts;
  • Additional filters and bottled water assistance;
  • Support for the fastest possible completion of the KWA pipeline; and,
  • A long-term commitment to addressing outdated infrastructure.

An announcement is expected later this afternoon in Flint by state and local officials about additional actions they plan to take.

Rep. Phil Phelps (D-Flushing) also said the need for action by state officials is now.

“This is a public health crisis, and our children are in danger,” Rep. Phelps said. “We absolutely need to help them sooner rather than later.”

The public is strongly urged to visit FlintWaterInfo.com/FilterGuide for general and purchase information about water filters certified to remove lead, and encouraged to share this information with friends and family members.