Flint approves short-term deal for drinking water

FLINT, Mich. — The Flint City Council has voted to extend a water contract for two more years, despite a judge’s order that it come up with a longterm solution to get residents past a lead contamination crisis.

The council voted for a twoyear contract with the Great Lakes Water Authority, which has been supplying water since a lead disaster was declared in 2015.

The state of Michigan is suing Flint to force it to make a 30year deal with Great Lakes Water. Federal Judge David Lawson last week ordered the council to accept that plan or come up with another longterm water source. It’s not known if a two-year pact will satisfy him.

Flint used the Flint River in 2014-15. The water wasn’t properly treated, and lead leached from old pipes.