A federal judge has approved a deal to replace water lines at 18,000 homes in Flint, Michigan, marking a long-term fix to overcome the disastrous discovery of high lead levels in the city's water system.
Under the deal approved Tuesday, Flint will be responsible for replacing lead and galvanized-steel lines that bring water into homes.
The cost could be as high as $97 million with federal and state governments roughly splitting the bill. Pipes at more than 700 homes have been replaced so far.
The Natural Resources Defense Council and American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan sued Flint and Michigan on behalf of 100,000 residents.
Flint's water was contaminated by lead because the city failed to add corrosion controls when it switched to the Flint River in 2014.
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A judge is holding a hearing on a plan to replace water lines at 18,000 homes in Flint, Michigan, where lead poisoned the water system.
The deal would settle a lawsuit in Detroit federal court. The agreement sets a 2020 deadline to replace lead or galvanized-steel lines serving Flint homes. Michigan and the federal government would pay for the job, which could cost nearly $100 million.
On Tuesday, federal Judge David Lawson will listen to lawyers representing Flint, the state and residents who sued.
Flint's water was tainted with lead for at least 18 months, as the city tapped the Flint River but didn't treat the water to reduce corrosion. As a result, lead leached from old pipes and fixtures. The quality has improved, although filters are recommended.
