Judge OKs plan on fix for water lines in Flint

DETROIT — Water lines at 18,000 homes in Flint, Mich., will be replaced under a landmark deal approved by a judge on Tuesday, marking a milestone in the effort to overcome the disastrous decision in 2014 to draw water from a river without treating it to prevent lead contamination.

Flint will be responsible for replacing lead and galvanizedsteel lines that bring water into homes. The cost could be as high as $97 million, with federal and state governments covering the bill. Pipes at more than 700 homes have been replaced so far.

The court-ordered pipe replacement is unprecedented in the United States, said lead attorney Dimple Chaudhary of the Natural Resources Defense Council. The group sued Flint and Michigan on behalf of residents, along with the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan.

Flint’s water was tainted with lead for at least 18 months, starting in spring 2014. While under the control of state-appointed financial managers, the city tapped the Flint River as its water source while a new pipeline was being built to Lake Huron. But the river water wasn’t treated to reduce corrosion. As a result, lead leached from old pipes and fixtures.

Under the new deal approved by U.S. District Judge David Lawson, pipes serving 18,000 homes will be replaced by January 2020. Michigan will continue to provide water filters, but the state can start closing free bottled water sites in Flint.