Nearly a decade after the water crisis in Flint, Michigan began, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that lead levels in the city’s water are now below federal safety limits. However, many residents, including advocate Melissa Mays, still do not trust the water coming from their faucets and showers. The crisis began in 2014 when the city switched its water source to the Flint River as a cost-saving measure. The corrosive chemicals used to treat the river water caused lead to leach from the aging pipes, resulting in elevated lead levels in residents’ water. Children were especially impacted, with many experiencing dangerous levels of lead in their blood.
Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, a pediatrician who helped bring attention to the crisis, noted the harmful effects of lead exposure on children, such as developmental delays and lower IQs. The situation in Flint prompted the federal government to declare an emergency in 2016, and measures were taken to address the lead contamination. Despite improvements in water quality, concerns about the safety of Flint’s water persist. Hanna-Attisha emphasized the need for continued monitoring and action to protect children and the community from the long-term effects of lead exposure.
The EPA recommends the use of lead filters in Flint as a precaution, as many pipes in the city have not been replaced. The agency acknowledges the limitations of current drinking water rules in fully protecting residents, particularly children. Efforts to address the crisis have included the establishment of the Flint Registry, which tracks and supports those affected by the water contamination. Advocates like James Proulx, a parent of an exposed child, stress the importance of holding accountable those responsible for the crisis and ensuring access to clean water for all residents.
Despite ongoing efforts to improve water quality in Flint, challenges remain as the community continues to recover from the crisis. “Little Miss Flint” Mari Copeny, who gained national recognition for her advocacy work since the age of 8, highlights the broader issue of water quality in the United States. Flint residents like Nate Campbell express the need for accountability and sustained action to address the legacy of the water crisis. Former Michigan officials were charged in connection with the scandal but the charges were dismissed due to legal issues surrounding the case.
As Flint works to rebuild its water infrastructure and restore trust in its water supply, the EPA and other agencies are committed to ensuring safe and reliable drinking water for residents. Efforts have included grants for system upgrades, technical assistance, and community engagement initiatives. The goal is to achieve 100% lead-free water systems nationwide, as part of broader efforts to address water quality issues in communities across the country. Despite progress, the impacts of the Flint water crisis continue to be felt, underscoring the importance of ongoing monitoring and remediation to safeguard public health and well-being.
