CNN announces details of Democratic debate in Flint, Michigan

Meanwhile, in Flint, Martin Kaufman, chairman of the Earth and Resource Science department at the University of Michigan-Flint, told reporters Monday that researchers found that out of 56,000 homes and businesses in the city, 8,000 were connected to lead pipes. She says officials hope the investigation will help address any concerns related to rashes or other skin issues.

(CNN)In early 2015, dirty water in Flint, Michigan, was being tested for lead, two lawsuits were challenging rate increases, and now a study finds residents were then paying the highest water bills of 500 communities surveyed nationwide, according to a nonprofit advocacy group.

Based on information gathered from the city of Flint, the Snyder administration now estimates 5,000 properties have lead services lines and an additional 10,000 properties have service lines of an unknown make that need to be physically inspected.

During the news conference Monday, Weaver estimated the removal cost at $55 million. “People won’t buy homes or even feel comfortable in our restaurants until every lead service line is removed, and this is the most important step to returning confidence to government”. But the mayor said she would not agree to allow the governor’s engineering firm and contractors to do the work.

“The Flint Water Crisis struck a chord in MI, in Washington, and across the country-and for good reason”, said Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (D-Md.).

The problems started when the city switched its water source from Lake Huron to the Flint River.

The Michigan Legislature has created a joint oversight committee to review findings and take testimony on the mistakes that lead to the Flint water crisis.

The recall petition approved by the Board today was submitted by Detroit Pastor David Bullock, (photo right) who the Detroit Free Press identifies as a political activist “prominent in the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and the NAACP, and who has run unsuccessfully for Detroit City Council”.

Workers say even with an aging system, water is still safe to drink.

If you see lead levels above 15 parts per billion, call the supplier and demand action.