After a brief delay, the city of Flint will finally start getting its drinking water exclusively from the Flint River starting this afternoon.
City leaders had hoped to start tapping the Flint River earlier this week. But the state Department of Environmental Quality refused to give its final OK until more work was done on a disinfectant system.
The DEQ has now given its approval.
So this afternoon at 2 p.m., Flint city officials will shut the valve on the intake pipe that brings water to the city from Detroit.
Eventually, Flint will get its tap water from Lake Huron. But while construction of that pipeline is under way, the Flint River will provide the water for the city’s faucets.
Flint is making the switch to save money, although one consultant says in the short term water rates will continue to increase.
