Flint Water Crisis

About Flint Water Crisis

The Flint water crisis began in April 2014 when the city of Flint, Michigan, switched its water source from Lake Huron to the Flint River to save money. Officials failed to apply corrosion control treatment. The river water was more corrosive, causing lead to leach from old pipes into drinking water. Lead exposure in children increased significantly. An outbreak of Legionnaires disease that killed 12 people and sickened at least 87 has been linked to the water source change. Residents reported brown, foul smelling water but were assured it was safe by state officials. Pediatrician Mona Hanna Attisha exposed the lead contamination by comparing childrens blood lead levels before and after the switch. The crisis sparked national outrage. The city has replaced approximately 10,000 lead service lines. Several state and local officials were criminally charged, though most charges were later dismissed. The Flint water crisis showed how cost cutting decisions could create public health emergencies, and the Michigan Civil Rights Commission concluded that systemic racism played a role in the crisis in the majority Black city.