Judge denies effort by officials to dismiss Flint water lawsuit

FLINT (AP) — A federal judge in Detroit has denied efforts by state and Flint officials to dismiss a lawsuit demanding quicker action to bring clean drinking water to Flint homes.

The order was filed last week. An Aug. 3 case status conference is scheduled.

Some Flint residents and civil rights groups want the state and city to better comply with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and replace water lines that are leaching lead into homes and businesses.

Named in the lawsuit are the state treasurer, members of an advisory board, and city officials. They argue that efforts already are underway to fix the problem.

Flint was under state management when it switched in 2014 to the Flint River. The water was not properly treated, causing lead to leach from old pipes.