In Flint, Michigan, community member Sarah Thompson, 39, continues her mission by distributing bottled water to her neighbors. “We still have to support one another,” she shared with ProPublica. “It’s still the affected individuals looking out for each other because the government has failed us.” Despite the lack of media attention, Flint’s water crisis is far from resolved.
To understand the current situation, we need to go back to 2014 when the city switched its water supply from Lake Huron to the Flint River. Unfortunately, the river, known for its historically poor quality, was further degraded due to pollution in previous decades. In 2001, Michigan mandated the cleanup of numerous contaminated sites along the river. However, when Flint made the switch in 2014, officials neglected to include an anti-corrosive agent in the water, leading to the corrosion of pipes and leaching lead into the water supply. Although authorities claimed the water was safe, reports of children developing rashes and mysterious illnesses surfaced by January 2015. Flint eventually reverted to Lake Huron for its water, but significant damage had already occurred.
Most people are aware of the lead poisoning epidemic affecting thousands of Flint’s children, yet they may not know about the Legionnaire’s disease outbreak declared by Michigan’s governor in January 2016. This outbreak resulted in 87 cases and 12 deaths. According to the CDC, Legionnaire’s disease, caused by the Legionella bacteria, can manifest in respiratory illnesses similar to pneumonia. Investigations revealed that Nick Lyon, the head of the Health Department, was reportedly aware of the outbreak for over a year before it was made public. In response to the crisis, Lyon and five other officials face involuntary manslaughter charges due to the deaths linked to the water crisis, spurring outrage among Flint residents, including members of the advocacy group Flint Rising, who feel that the governor should also be held accountable.
The ongoing water crisis has prompted legal action, with Michigan suing the City of Flint for failing to establish a long-term drinking water source. Although the mayor negotiated a deal for water from the Great Lakes Water Authority at a reduced cost, the city council has yet to approve it, leaving residents in limbo. The lawsuit highlights the imminent risk to public health, as the council has not proposed any alternatives.
Flint is not alone in facing water challenges. Areas in Southwest Chicago and Northwest Indiana also grapple with lead contamination, stemming from both historical industrial activities and current operations. The Indiana Harbor Coke Co. has faced numerous violations, leading residents to sue the EPA director for not addressing a proposed permit for the company. The EPA has identified parts of East Chicago as a Superfund site due to severe lead contamination. In response, East Chicago began replacing lead pipes, with plans to complete repairs in 400 homes by May. However, many residents remain skeptical about the safety of water even with filters provided by the state Department of Environmental Management.
As the crisis unfolds, funding to address the issue remains inadequate. The Department of Health and Human Services has allocated a mere $15 million for Flint’s Genesee County Healthy Start Program, which aims to offer services to families affected by lead exposure. Health Secretary Tom Price labeled the situation “urgent,” but residents continue to face the long-term effects of the crisis.
For families like that of Emma Brown, who has twin five-year-olds, the impact is devastating. She reports one child struggling with growth and development, while they rely on bottled water for all their needs, including bathing. They’ve spent two years in this struggle, boiling gallons of water just to take a bath.
As we consider the ongoing plight of Flint and the surrounding areas, we must remember the individuals still suffering from the consequences of lead exposure. To lend your support or learn more, you can check out resources on topics like at-home insemination kits here or visit Cryobaby for additional information. For an insightful look into insemination options, this guide from Parents is an excellent resource.
In summary, Flint’s water crisis continues to affect the lives of its residents, with lead contamination and the repercussions of Legionnaire’s disease still looming. While community members strive to support one another, the need for effective governmental action and accountability remains critical.
Keyphrase: Flint water crisis
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