With much work still left to do for Flint to treat its own water, EPA administrator Gina McCarthy told Mayor Karen Weaver to find alternatives to drinking water.

By October 2017, the city is expected to lose its access to pre-treated water from the Great Lakes Water Authority because a 9-mile section of transmission line that currently carries the water here won't be available.

Before the city can return to treating its own water permanently, it must do the following, according to McCarthy's letter:

• Construct a 3-mile connector pipe to carry raw water from the Karegnondi Water Authority pipeline to its water treatment plant.
• Complete an evaluation of and upgrades to the treatment plant.
• Choose and make all arrangements for a backup water source.
• Evaluate and complete studies regarding the effectiveness of corrosion control for the new source water.
• Demonstrate the treatment plant is operated by personnel capable and qualified in treating raw water.
• Treat raw water for "a sufficient performance period" to prove to residents and regulators that the city can produce safe water.