News Alert: After Flint debacle, EPA must strengthen oversight of state drinking water programs, inspector general finds

The Environmental Protection Agency must strengthen its oversight of state drinking water programs to avoid another situation like the one in Flint, Mich., a long-awaited report says. While Flint residents were being exposed to lead in drinking water, the federal response was delayed, in part, because the EPA did not establish clear roles and responsibilities, risk assessment procedures, effective communication and proactive oversight tools. State officials failed to ensure proper corrosion-control treatment of a new water source. That failure allowed rust, iron and lead to leach from aging pipes. The catastrophe exposed thousands of children to high levels of lead, which can cause long-term physical damage and mental impairment.

Democracy Dies in Darkness     News Alert Jul 19, 2:29 PM     After Flint debacle, EPA must strengthen oversight of state drinking water programs, inspector general finds The Environmental Protection Agency must strengthen its oversight of state drinking water programs to avoid another situation like the one in Flint, Mich., a long-awaited report says. While Flint residents were being exposed to lead in drinking water, the federal response was delayed, in part, because the EPA did not establish clear roles and responsibilities, risk assessment procedures, effective communication and proactive oversight tools. State officials failed to ensure proper corrosion-control treatment of a new water source. That failure allowed rust, iron and lead to leach from aging pipes. The catastrophe exposed thousands of children to high levels of lead, which can cause long-term physical damage and mental impairment. Read more » Advertisement You received this email because you signed up for news alerts from The Washington Post. Manage my newsletters and alerts | Unsubscribe Privacy Policy | Help ©2018 The Washington Post, 1301 K St NW, Washington DC 20071