February 12, 2017

In April 2014 Flint, Michigan switched its water source from Lake Huron to Flint River. The water was highly contaminated due to improper water treatment. Over 100,000 residents were exposed to lead poisoning and were then instructed to bathe in and drink only bottled water. They were given credits for their water bill to help the cost. 

Fast forward to today. Flint Mayor Karen Weaver stated that since the credit assistance program began, customers of the water system had received more than $40 million in credit and would be ending this. Furthermore, Flint would no longer receive funding for the city water. Tests over the last 6 months showed normal readings, BUT residents were advised to continue using bottled water until pipes had been change. At least 20,000 homes still need new pipes.

3 years without clean drinking water, and this still isn’t a priority for those in positions of power.