EPA lifts emergency order on Flint, Mich., water, restoring standard lead monitoring

(UI) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially lifted the emergency order placed on the City of Flint under the Safe Drinking Water Act, nearly a decade after the water crisis began. The announcement, made on May 19, confirms that Flint's water system is now in full compliance with federal lead standards.

The 2016 order required the city and the State of Michigan to implement several corrective actions. According to the EPA, Flint has met or exceeded all federal requirements, marking a key milestone in the city’s ongoing recovery.

“This moment is about the people of Flint—about their voices, their strength, and their determination,” said Mayor Sheldon Neeley. “While this milestone marks progress, our commitment to clean, safe drinking water remains unwavering. We will continue to advance infrastructure, strengthen safeguards, and ensure that the mistakes of the past are never repeated. Flint families deserve nothing less.”

Since the order was issued, Flint has implemented a corrosion control plan to reduce lead leaching, remained below federal lead action levels for eight consecutive years, and replaced over 97% of its lead service lines. The city has also modernized operations, expanded its team of certified water operators, and built a backup water line to increase long-term reliability.

“Today we celebrate nearly a decade’s worth of hard work and partnership at the local, state, and federal level to ensure the residents of Flint have access to clean, safe drinking water,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “Even though the emergency order is lifted, our shared responsibility to Flint continues. EPA will remain a committed partner in supporting Flint’s water system long into the future.”

“This achievement reflects the dedicated efforts of the City of Flint, the State of Michigan, and the EPA in addressing the lead crisis,” added EPA Region 5 Administrator Anne Vogel. “Flint residents can trust in the quality of their water supply.”

With the order lifted, regulatory oversight returns to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), which will continue working with the city to monitor long-term compliance.

Background

The EPA issued the emergency order in January 2016 in response to the Flint water crisis. Since then:

• EPA provided more than $100 million through the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act to help Flint upgrade its system.
• Flint completed a corrosion control study and implemented optimal treatment methods.
• A backup pipeline was constructed to support continuity of service.
• The city improved staffing and operational procedures, leading to 13 fully certified drinking water operators.

In 2024, Flint entered into an administrative consent order with EGLE to ensure ongoing compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and the federal Lead and Copper Rule.

“The road to this day has been long and hard-fought—but Flint stood strong,” said Mayor Neeley. “We thank every resident, worker, and partner who helped us get here. This is a milestone for Flint, but not the end. Our eyes remain on the future—on healing, growth, and protecting our people.”

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