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Three hundred unionized plumbers traveled to Flint, Michigan over the weekend to help people install water faucets and filters in an effort to make their water actually usable.

Many Flint residents needed new faucets because their existing faucets were so old they could not accommodate water filters provided by the state.

The effort was coordinated by the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry, known as the United Association. The fixtures were donated by the Plumbing Manufacturers International.

Unfortunately, some residents will not be able to use or drink their water even with a filter installed because concentrations of lead have surprised the level a filter can eliminate.

Filters can eliminate up to 150 parts per billion (ppb) of lead, but some tests have revealed levels of 4,000 ppb. It's a toxic sludge.

They may not be able to help everyone, but they deserve credit for trying.