FED STATEMENT THAT FILTERED FLINT WATER IS SAFE FOR ALL IS QUESTIONABLE.

It was announced yesterday that federal officials say that all Flint residents using water filters on their faucets can safely drink water from the tap. This is quite a departure from earlier statements from federal officials warning that pregnant women and children should not drink the contaminated Flint water even with a filter.

Filtered water was tested in 200 Flint homes recently and the reports indicated that the level of lead was safe  for consumption. Assistant secretary for preparedness and response for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Dr. Nicole Lurie was quoted in the Detroit Free Press Thursday stating, "With the results of this testing, residents can be confidant that they can use filtered water and protect their developing fetus and young child from lead."

But here's the issue. Yes, using a water filter on your tap may bring lead levels down to a safe level, but there remain other concerns with the drinking water in Flint. Many Flint residents are concerned, as they should be, about levels of chlorine and bacteria in the water. Lead is not the only concern in regard to Flint water.

The bottom line is that the water line infrastructure in the city has to be replaced in my hometown of Flint. So far there has been little progress made. Shameful.

Jeff Brown
Editor/Publisher
Purple Walrus Press

Saginaw St in downtown Flint. Photo Purple Walrus Press.