Flint to get water from Lake Huron as soon as system ready

(FLINT) — The Michigan city of Flint will get water from the Karegnondi Water Authority system as soon as it’s ready, even though the mayor had threatened to break an agreement in the aftermath of its crisis with lead-tainted water. Mayor Karen Weaver announced the decision Tuesday, saying its contract would be difficult to break. She earlier said she wouldn’t rule out staying with the Detroit-area’s regional water system regardless of the agreement. Flint’s supply was switched from Detroit water to the Flint River in 2014 but not properly treated, resulting in corrosion of lead pipes. It was done as a cost-saving measure in anticipation of eventually going with Karegnondi when it starts taking water from Lake Huron. Flint switched back to Detroit water temporarily last fall after problems with lead emerged. A water treatment facility has been built near the Genesee and Lapeer County line and will process water from the pipeline. The intake pipeline extends nearly two miles into Lake Huron in Sanilac County’s Worth Township and stretches through Sanilac, Lapeer, and Genesee counties. The water line also crosses through Lynn Township in St. Clair County where a pump station is constructed. Construction started in 2013 and is expected to be wrapped up this month. With an original estimate at $300 million, officials believe the project will come in under budget at around $285 million.