The Enduring Impact and Lessons of the Flint Water Disaster
Historical Background
Flint Michigan was one among the thriving industrial city in the United States. However, it had faced some economic problems in the preceding decades before the water crisis of the Flourish. These financial issues of the city offered the backdrop to cut expenses that would be disastrous (Denchak, 2024). In April 2014, Flint was under the state-appointed emergency managers’ management and opted to change the source of water supply from Detroit to the Flint River (Carmody, 2022). This decision to cut the expenses was made without considering the risks that may occur or the proper infrastructures that may be required.
The switch to the Flint River was the initial process that set the sequence of disastrous events. As depicted by Maney & Sarahbeth (2024) the residents soon began to complain about the colour of the water, its taste and smell. However, no significant efforts were invested in the residents' concerns instead, they were overlooked, and the authorities kept on assuring people that the water was safe for consumption (Sanburn, 2016).
During the course of the crisis, the following events took place: In August 2014, E. coli and coliform bacteria were found in the water system and hence only boiled water was advised to be consumed (Denchak, 2024). Trihalomethanes a disinfection byproduct which is common in water was found in high levels in January 2015. However, it was not until September 2015 when Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha gave results of the Flint children’s blood lead levels that attracted national concern (Magazine & Riley, 2024). The state agreed to the problem in October 2015 and restored Flint to Detroit water but by then the harm was already done (Sanburn, 2016).