By Tyler Clifford

(Reuters) – A federal judge has approved a settlement of $626 Million for Flint’s 2014 lead water crisis victims. This was in a case that had been brought by tens to thousands of residents of Flint who were affected.

U.S. District Judge Judith Levy declared in a 178 page order, “The settlement reached there is a remarkable achievement because of many reasons. Not the least is that it sets forth a complete compensation program and timeline which are consistent for all qualifying participants.”

Flint’s troubles began in 2014 after the city switched its water supply to the Flint River from Lake Huron to cut costs. Corrosive river water caused lead to leach from pipes, tainting the drinking water and causing a Legionnaires’ outbreak.

Parents who claimed their children had dangerously high levels of lead in their blood have filed numerous lawsuits. This can result in serious developmental disorders. Children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning.