EPA says lead levels in Flint dropping, but for many that's not the case
FLINT, Michigan -- In Flint, Michigan on Thursday, the EPA said lead levels are dropping, and that filters appear to be working. But CBS News found, for many people, that's not the case.
EPA agents have fanned out in Flint, targeting homes where lead levels remain stubbornly high.
Joe Ragnone's tap water has the city's second highest amount of lead on record. It's classified as toxic waste.
Ragnone's water doesn't look contaminated, though. It is clear when it comes out of the faucet, but it is contaminated.
"Only to find out you got over 5,000 parts per billion," he explained holding up a glass of water. "I mean so this is the reason why we never even considered our water being bad."
Old and corroded lead pipes in some homes are still releasing lead into drinking water. Since January 1 -- 364 homes of the more than 5,000 tested exceed the federal lead limit of 15 parts per billion. In addition, 48 topped 150 parts per billion.
Concern for lead levels in children's blood is also still high.
On Thursday, state health officials released the latest data. They show 2.5 percent of children have elevated blood levels. Last year at this time it was 2.1 percent.
Parents continued to bring their children in for blood testing on Thursday, fearing developmental delays and behavioral issues.
"It's just a bad situation, we are just worried," said one mother.
Roughly 40 EPA agents are on the ground testing the water at homes with the highest lead levels. Officials announced that they want every child in Flint tested for lead by April 1.