In Flint, Michigan, the water crisis still looms large, with residents like Sarah Thompson, 39, tirelessly distributing bottled water in their communities. “We need to support each other,” she shared with ProPublica. “It’s the vulnerable and affected individuals looking after one another because the state has turned a blind eye.” Despite a lack of media coverage, the people of Flint are still grappling with the repercussions of contaminated water.
The Origins of Flint’s Water Troubles
The origins of Flint’s water troubles trace back to 2014 when the city transitioned its water supply from Lake Huron to the Flint River. The Flint River has a notorious history of pollution, plagued by issues such as fecal coliform bacteria and toxic substances, as highlighted in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Flint River Assessment. In 2001, a cleanup of 134 polluted sites was mandated, but when Flint switched water sources in 2014, officials neglected to add a necessary anti-corrosive agent. This oversight led to the corrosion of pipes, leaching lead into the water supply. Despite assurances that the water was “safe to drink,” reports of children experiencing rashes and unexplained illnesses began surfacing as early as January 2015. Flint eventually reverted to Lake Huron as its water source, but the damage to both the infrastructure and the health of its residents was already done.
The Outbreak of Legionnaire’s Disease
While many Americans are aware of the thousands of Flint children affected by lead poisoning, fewer may remember the outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease announced by Michigan’s governor in January 2016. This outbreak resulted in 87 cases and claimed 10 lives. According to the CDC, Legionnaire’s disease, which resembles severe pneumonia, is caused by the Legionella bacteria that thrive in man-made water systems. Individuals become ill when they inhale contaminated droplets. Controversy arose when reports emerged suggesting that the head of the Health Department, Tom Reed, was aware of the outbreak for over a year before alerting the public. Ultimately, 12 fatalities were recorded, leading to charges of involuntary manslaughter against Reed and five other officials—all connected to the deaths attributed to Flint’s water crisis. Many residents, including those from Flint Rising, feel that these charges fail to hold the state governor accountable.
The Ongoing Crisis
The crisis is far from over. In late June, Michigan filed a federal lawsuit against Flint for neglecting to secure a long-term drinking water source for its residents. While Flint’s mayor negotiated a deal to obtain water from the Great Lakes Water Authority at a reduced rate, the city council rejected it, leaving the community without viable alternatives. This inaction threatens “imminent and substantial endangerment to public health in Flint,” according to the lawsuit. The situation remains unresolved as court negotiations continue and the mayor faces potential recall.
Other Areas Affected
Flint is not alone in this struggle. Areas in Southwest Chicago and Northwest Indiana suffer from lead contamination, stemming from both historical industrial practices and ongoing emissions from local facilities. The Indiana Harbor Coke Co. has faced hundreds of violations in the last decade, prompting residents to sue the EPA director over his inaction related to permit requests. The EPA has designated parts of East Chicago as a Superfund site due to severe lead contamination. In response, East Chicago began replacing lead pipes in September, aiming to complete replacements in 400 homes by May. Despite claims from the state Department of Environmental Management that water filters provided to residents are safe, many remain skeptical. “Is the water truly safe even with filters?” questioned local resident Aisha Martinez in July. The legacy of contamination has forced the demolition of entire housing developments, leaving residents with lingering health concerns, particularly regarding lead exposure’s effects on children.
Federal Attention and Support
Even as awareness wanes, the water crisis has captured the attention of federal authorities. The Health and Human Services Department under Donald Trump has allocated $15 million for Michigan’s Genesee County Healthy Start Program to support families at risk for lead exposure. HHS Secretary Tom Price labeled the situation “urgent,” emphasizing that while the funds are limited, they aim to connect affected residents with essential health services. The initiative will focus on identifying children with lead poisoning and supporting families in addressing the developmental challenges associated with such exposure.
Heartbreaking Realities
The ongoing struggles faced by families in Flint are heartbreaking. Take the case of Anna Cooper’s twin five-year-olds. She reports that one of them is not developing as expected, struggling with memory retention and basic skills like recognizing colors or letters. They rely on bottled water for all their needs, consuming an estimated 10 cases—or 240 bottles—daily. Each bath requires boiling 15 to 18 gallons of water on the stove. This has been their reality for two long years.
Call to Action
In light of these stories, it’s imperative to remember Flint and its residents—those who continue to suffer from the fallout of lead poisoning, and those who lost their lives to Legionnaire’s disease. We must not forget the efforts of individuals like Sarah Thompson, who still distributes bottled water and identifies as “poisoned.” It’s time to take action for Flint and ensure that the people affected receive the support they desperately need. For those seeking additional resources on similar topics, consider checking out this article on home insemination, and for more information on pregnancy options, visit this informative page.
Summary
Flint, Michigan, continues to face a water crisis that began in 2014, leading to lead poisoning in thousands of children and an outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease. Despite some media attention, many residents remain affected, relying on bottled water for survival. The city is embroiled in legal battles over its water supply, and other regions, like East Chicago, are also grappling with lead contamination. Federal funding has been allocated to support affected families, but the long-term effects of exposure to lead remain a critical concern.