The Flint water crisis begins
On April 25 2014 officials from Flint Michigan switched the citys water supply to the Flint River as a cost-cutting measure for the struggling city.In doing so they unwittingly introduced lead-poisoned water into homes in what would become a massive public-health crisis.The problem started when officials decided to switch the water supply from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department to the Karegnondi Water Authority to save money for the economically struggling city.Before that connection could be built the city turned to the Flint River as a temporary water source.
By May residents were complaining that the brown water flowing into their homes looked and smelled weird but the largely majority-African American and poor citizens went ignored by officials.In August E.coli and coliform bacteria were detected in Flints water.From there a leaked memo from the Environmental Protection Agency and several independent studies warned of dangerous levels of lead in the water.Although the city switched their water supply back in October 2015 the damage to the pipes had already been done.
After months of denial and dodging the mayor governor and president declared a state of emergency in Flint.Free water bottles and filters were provided to residents to help them cope.Unfortunately the crisis didnt end there for Flint residents.Over a year later people were still using bottled water to cook drink and even brush their teeth.
The citys recovery has been slow as it works to replace 30000 lead pipes.In 2017 reports showed that the water in most homes was safe but some residents still dont trust what comes out of their tap.In the aftermath residents filed a class-action lawsuit and 15 state and city leaders faced criminal charges.Trials are scheduled to begin in 2018.
