Michigan removes 'pre-flushing' practice from state water testing rules

Authorities under pressure as activists file lawsuit to replace lead pipes in Flint, make further changes to rules and remedy health impacts on residents

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Michigan has amended its water testing rules in the wake of the Flint poisoning crisis, the Guardian can reveal, as a lawsuit filed by Flint residents and advocacy groups sought to compel city and state officials to follow federal requirements for testing and treating water for lead content.

Until recently, both the city of Flint and guidelines issued for the entire state by the Michigan department of environmental quality (MDEQ) required that residents turned on their faucets for several minutes before taking a sample of water for lead testing.