Flint residents get bottled water, filters for lead
FLINT, Mich. -- Residents of Flint confronting increased lead levels in children after a change in the Michigan city's water source are getting free water filters from the state along with donations of bottled water, as local officials take steps to ensure safe drinking water.
Filters are available beginning Tuesday through a partnership between the Michigan Department of Health Human Services and the Genesee County Community Action Resource Department. Residents on public assistance and others are encouraged to bring their ID and water bill to one of four local offices.
About 5,500 filters have already been distributed through private donations.
Shifting its position, the state last week confirmed elevated blood lead levels in Flint consistent with what local doctors found in a study and pledged at least $1 million in funding. The percentage of kids with above-average lead levels tripled in two ZIP codes.
After a public health emergency was declared last week by Genesee County, Sheriff Robert Pickell started ordering water and dry foods for the jail. He told The Flint Journal that his department already has spent $4,800 on water and $5,500 on food for employees and inmates.
"We ordered water right after the emergency resolution from the county," Pickell said. "We also ordered what we call dry food, where we don't have to use water."
Pickell said he didn't think the jail was affected by high lead levels, but he's waiting on state water test results for the facility.
Individuals, charities and other private organizations have held bottled water giveaways for weeks. Flint schools also asked for bottled water donations.
Genesee County Health Officer Mark Valacak told CBS Detroit the community is rallying to help.
"This community always comes together no matter what the challenge, and this is yet another challenge but we are fortunate in having a number of community members who have come to the forefront," said Valack.
Valacak said those community partners include the United Way -- which has raised $100,000 dollars to provide personal water filters for residents. Officials also said the United Way is working to secure water filter systems for schools.
On Wednesday, the Technical Advisory Committee - a panel of water experts that has been dormant for months - is expected to return to work in Flint. Mayor Dayne Walling said the committee will discuss short- to long-term issues for the water system.