About 9 percent of the Flint, Mich., homes being monitored for lead in their drinking water registered dangerous levels of lead in the latest round of testing.
Of the 423 homes that are being continuously monitored as a control group for lead results, 37 were above the danger level for lead and 386 were below it, Michigan officials announced about the second round of testing. The testing was done over the last two weeks.
The Environmental Protection Agency considers 15 parts per billion the danger level for lead in drinking water, but it also says that no amount of lead is safe.
In comprehensive test results released last month, 7 percent of Flint homes had dangerous levels of lead in the water, or 685 homes. About 48 percent of the more than 10,000 homes that have been tested have some trace of lead in the water.
The Flint River water used by the city since April 2014 ate away at the lead pipes bringing drinking water to homes because it was so acidic. That allowed lead to go into the drinking water supply, unchecked until a lead advisory was issued in September 2015 and the state stepped in a month later.
In a statement, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said there’s still work to be done.
“There is still a lot of work to do, and we will not be satisfied that the water is ready until we see the results of many tests that can ensure the water truly is safe to drink,” Snyder said.
“That’s why we are so appreciative of the residents who are willing to work with us to have their water regularly tested as part of this official scientific survey. By working together, we can help get people the water they need straight from their tap and help the city and its residents move forward.”
