Flint Completes $1 Billion Lead Water Line Replacement Project

The Government of Flint announced on Monday, August 4, 2026, that it completed the replacement of the final active lead service line on Friday, August 1. This milestone concludes a decade-long infrastructure overhaul required by a federal lawsuit settlement following the city's 2014 water crisis. Mayor Sheldon Neeley estimated the total cost of inspections, replacements, and system improvements at more than $1 billion.

The project involved inspecting over 31,000 residential and commercial addresses. According to the State of Michigan, crews excavated approximately 31,930 addresses, replacing about 11,600 lead lines and cutting and capping 1,380 others. Capping occurred where property owners denied access or could not be located, effectively severing those lines from the city main.

The effort faced significant setbacks, including a 2020 project reset caused by disorganized records and a change in engineering firms. Despite these hurdles, the city reached completion with the final line replacements occurring on Markham Road and North Saginaw Street. While the active replacements are finished, ground restoration work to fill excavation sites will continue through August.

City officials acknowledge the lasting trauma and mistrust caused by the water crisis. To address these concerns, the city continues to provide residents with free water filters and testing kits.