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Judge dismisses class-action lawsuit in Flint water crisis

Posted at 3:49 PM, Apr 19, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-19 15:49:06-04

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — A judge has dismissed a class-action lawsuit over Flint’s contaminated water, saying constitutional claims by residents don’t fit.

Ann Arbor federal Judge John Corbett O’Meara says he’s not making a decision on the merits of the lawsuit, which was one of many filed over lead in Flint’s drinking water. But he said Tuesday that allegations of civil rights violations are barred by federal water law.

The lawsuit accused Flint and state officials of violating their constitutional rights by providing contaminated water and requiring payment.

Flint, while under a state-appointed manager, pulled water from the Flint River but didn’t add corrosion controls. As a result, the water caused lead to leach from old plumbing.

A message seeking comment was left with attorney William Murphy Jr.