In Flint, Michigan, the water crisis that began in 2014 continues to wreak havoc on the community. Local resident, Sarah Jenkins, 36, remains dedicated to distributing bottled water to her neighbors. “We have to support one another,” she stated in an interview. “It’s still the marginalized and affected individuals looking out for each other since the government has failed us.”
Despite the lack of media coverage, Flint’s battle with tainted water remains dire. The troubles began when city officials decided to change the water supply from Lake Huron to the Flint River. The river, historically known for its poor quality, had been significantly degraded since the 1970s, plagued by issues such as fecal coliform bacteria and toxic pollutants. The state had even mandated the clean-up of numerous contaminated sites within the river’s watershed. When Flint switched to this risky water source, they neglected to include an anti-corrosive agent, leading to lead leaching from aging pipes. Officials reassured residents that the water was safe, but by January 2015, reports of rashes and unusual illnesses in children began to surface. Although the water source was eventually reverted back to Lake Huron, the damage inflicted on both the infrastructure and the health of Flint’s residents persists.
Most Americans are aware of the thousands of children affected by lead poisoning, yet many may not know about the outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease that was also linked to Flint’s water crisis. In January 2016, Michigan’s governor reported 87 cases of the illness, which resulted in 10 fatalities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes Legionnaire’s disease as a severe respiratory infection caused by Legionella bacteria, often found in man-made water systems. Allegations surfaced that Nick Lyon, head of the Health Department, had prior knowledge of the outbreak for over a year before making it public. Ultimately, 12 people died, and residents suspect that the true numbers may be higher due to inadequate postmortem testing. In June 2017, Lyon and five other officials were charged with involuntary manslaughter, though many community members expressed frustration that the charges did not extend to the Michigan governor.
As the legal battles unfold, the water crisis continues to escalate. In late June, the state of Michigan took legal action against the City of Flint for its failure to secure a long-term drinking water solution. Flint’s mayor had reached a tentative agreement to obtain water from the Great Lakes Water Authority at a reduced cost, which the city council subsequently rejected, leaving residents in a precarious position. This neglect has been described in court documents as posing an “imminent and substantial endangerment to public health.”
Flint is not alone in its water struggles. Areas in Southwest Chicago and Northwest Indiana also grapple with lead contamination rooted in industrial pollution and ongoing violations from local plants. Indiana Harbor Coke Co. has been cited numerous times for breaching environmental laws, raising concerns among residents who have taken legal action against the EPA for its inaction. East Chicago has been designated a Superfund site due to severe lead contamination. While efforts to replace lead pipes are underway, questions linger about the safety and efficacy of the filters provided to residents. The health concerns, especially for children, mirror those faced by Flint families, raising alarms about the long-term impacts of lead exposure.
Even the federal government has acknowledged the severity of the situation. The Department of Health and Human Services allocated a scant $15 million to support the Genesee County Healthy Start Program, aiming to assist affected families in Flint and surrounding areas. Secretary Tom Price referred to the crisis as “urgent” and noted that the funds would help link residents to vital health services. Yet, many families continue to endure the aftermath of lead poisoning. For example, Mary Thompson’s 5-year-old twins face developmental challenges and memory issues attributed to their exposure. The family relies on bottled water for daily needs, using about 240 bottles daily and boiling water for baths—an arduous routine that has persisted for two long years.
As we reflect on the struggles of those affected, it’s crucial to remain aware and engaged. Let us not forget Flint and the ongoing hardships faced by its residents. For more information on related topics, be sure to check out our other blog post about home insemination here.
In summary, the Flint water crisis is an ongoing tragedy that highlights systemic failures and the resilience of a community fighting for their health and safety. The effects of lead exposure continue to haunt families, and the fight for a sustainable water source remains unresolved.