In April 2014, the city of Flint, Michigan seprated from the clean Detroit water system to pulling water from the toxic Flint River in an effort to save money. Though the river’s water failed several safety tests, including testing positive for coliform bacteria, the city insisted it’s water was safe.
For months, the citizens of Flint, Michigan were not notified their water system had changed. 18 months later, the already abnormal amount of lead in the blood of children doubled, and many were diagnosed with lead poisoning. Adult citizens suffered hair loss, skin infections, and a plethora of other health issues. About 60% of Flint’s population is African-American.
21 months later, the city of Flint, Michigan is trying to clean up their mess and have promised $10.6 million to try to clean the water. Despite admitting to this mistake, the city of Flint has served its citizens with cut off notices for not paying their water bill. Flint citizens instead have been using bottled water to cook, clean, and bathe with. Though the water has been proven unhealthy to consume, the city still expects its citizens to pay for it.
Finally, last week, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder declared this a “State of Emergency”. What a sense of urgency.
To see more information on Flint’s drinking water, CLICK HERE.