decreased; data for 72 percent of water systems were missing. The EPA may have been lacking data because more resources were being dedicated to lead regulation than lead reporting. Flint, Michigan water tests contravening EPA guidance On April 23, 2019, Status Coup, an independent investigative reporting network co-founded by Jordan Chariton and Jenn Dize, released the documentary Flushing Flint which claimed that water testing in Flint, Michigan conducted by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) was manipulated by MDEQ staff, by taking water samples after flushing running water from taps for several minutes before taking the samples. This was contrary to normal procedures for water testing for copper and lead. The documentary also alleged that MDEQ staff told residents to collect water samples after flushing running water from their taps for several minutes. This contravened EPA guidance stating that samples taken must be "first-draw samples at taps in homes/buildings". See also Drinking water quality in the United States Lead abatement in the United States "Lead-free" plumbing requirements Lead service line Lead poisoning References External links EPA - Lead and Copper Rule United States administrative law Environmental law in the United States Water law in the United States Water supply and sanitation in the United States Lead poisoning Drinking water regulation