The town of Flint, Michigan has been in a federal state of emergency since Jan. 16 because of their lead-tainted water, according to USA Today.
Residents of Flint started to complain about the water in April 2014, when they noticed a weird taste and smell. The town had switched from Detroit water to the Flint River’s water in an effort to save money.
The Flint River was known to be nasty, even before the switch, according to CNN.
Although the water was switched back to the Detroit line last fall, the damage had already been done.
Apparently, the requests from Virginia Tech researchers to the state’s Department of Environmental Quality to treat the water for corrosion were ignored. Corrosion is when, in this case, the pipes carrying the water start to destruct.
How could the state ignore the request? Were they just trying to solve a money crisis? In any case, the people were finally heard and things are finally being done to help the residents of Flint.
The residents are rightfully being provided with water filters and bottles from the National Guard.
The children of Flint are maybe the most upsetting part of the story.
Pediatrician Mona Hanna-Attisha revealed that records had shown toddlers’ lead levels had doubled since the water had been switched, according to CNN.
Not only can lead poisoning lead to hair, vision or memory loss, but it can also affect a child’s development.
Who knows how the future of Flint will unfold? It will definitely need to be closely monitored, as the children who age develop problems or adults start to show signs of poisoning.
Honestly, what does it take to get clean, healthy water in the United States? For a developed nation, this seems like a huge setback.
Film director Michael Moore has even filed a petition to President Barack Obama for the arrest of Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, who he blames for the crisis. Moore was born in Michigan.
“Please consider this personal appeal from me and the 102,000 citizens of the city of Flint who have been poisoned — not by a mistake, not by a natural disaster, but by a governor and his administration,” reads the petition.
Moore goes on to say that the governor is responsible for these premeditated actions that have killed at least 10 people in the city.
Other celebrities, such as rapper Meek Mill, have donated money to the effort to provide clean water.
An investigation will take place in order to uncover if the situation was handled lawfully. It is not looking good for the state officials.
Justice needs to be found for a city that will not fully recover anytime soon.
So what is more important to you: Cutting a budget or having clean drinking water? The answer is simple.
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