While most Americans fear things like guns, crime or terrorism, the people of Flint, Michigan have a much closer fear: the water that is coming out of their sinks. Over a year ago, in an attempt to cut the costs of getting water through Detroit’s water system, Flint began using water from the Flint River for its citizen’s water supply. Shortly thereafter, residents began to complain of strangely-colored tap water. A second water test showed that the lead contents of this water were 10 times higher than the original test had measured. Lead is extremely toxic and can cause health consequences such as skin lesions, hair loss, vision or memory loss, depression, or anxiety. Men, women, and children were exposed to high levels of lead simply from performing daily household activities like bathing, doing laundry, or washing dishes. The uproar from the residents has resulted in the declaration of a public health emergency, and has forced everyone to resort to the use of water filters or bottled water until the city can officially switch back to Detroit’s water filtration system.
While city officials eventually took action against this crisis, the health impacts of lead exposure can be long-term and very dangerous. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, side effects could include depression, ADHD, impaired nerve function, and toxic stress on the kidney, among many other things. Lead has also been proven to have persisting and irreversible effects on the development of a child’s IQ. This situation in Flint could result in an greater need for new mental health or juvenile justice systems if the consequences of lead exposure persist.
While this is a horrible tragedy, there are ways that anyone can help.
Donate to people bringing clean water to families in Flint.
United Way Gennessee County has set up a Flint Water Fund that anyone can donate to. The money will be used to supply clean water as well as water filters to families in need in the city of Flint. Many of the families are living below the poverty level and aren't able to purchase the clean water that they need to live.
Fund the Organizations that provide public health services.
The Community Foundation of Greater Flint is accepting donations to the Flint Child Health and Development Fund, which provides services that address the problems caused by this crisis. To donate, follow this link: https://www.cfgf.org/cfgf/GoodWork/FlintArea/Water...
Put the pressure on Governor Snyder to provide more help for residents.
Sometimes the greatest help anyone could provide is to join the movement and help make their voices heard. There is a petition on change.org that is demanding that Gov. Snyder stop forcing Flint residents to pay monthly water bills for a contaminated, poisonous water supply.
This is a heartbreaking tragedy that no city should have to endure, but they do not have to go through it alone. We may hear stories about people lacking access to clean water, but now it is happening right next door and we need to step up to help those who need it most.