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Flint to use devices on fire hydrants to boost water quality

The device will be installed on some hydrants and will periodically release water to help flush the city’s water system

The Associated Press

FLINT, Mich. — Flint plans to install devices on some fire hydrants to periodically release water as part of an effort to improve water quality amid the city’s crisis with lead-tainted water.

Mayor Karen Weaver’s office says the city starts the effort Monday in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The aim is to help flush water from the city’s distribution system and maintain proper levels of orthophosphate, a chemical used for corrosion control, and chlorine. Flint’s water was contaminated by lead leaching from old pipes, the result of a lack of corrosion control.

Also Monday, the office of Gov. Rick Snyder announced three new centers will open to distribute water, filters and testing kits. A fire station used as such a center will return Wednesday to normal operations.