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Officials: Flint water efforts remain after declaration ends

Posted at 1:35 PM, Aug 03, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-03 13:35:27-04

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — Federal, state and local officials say they’ll remain committed to fixing Flint’s drinking water system after a federal emergency declaration over the lead crisis expires this month.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Acting Regional Administrator Bob Kaplan says Wednesday the city’s water system is now among the best-monitored in the nation. He says water quality is improving, but officials will continue working until Flint’s water is safe.

President Barack Obama in January signed an emergency declaration authorizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide water resources and support to state and local efforts. It expires Aug. 14, but officials say federal resources will remain.

The Flint River was used for tap water for 18 months to save money. The improperly treated water released toxic lead from aging pipes and fixtures.