You may be surprised to hear this, but Flint, Michigan to this day is still battling with poor drinking water sources. The Flint Water Crisis began in 2014 when high levels of lead contamination in the Flint River was tested by scientists. The state declared a federal emergency in 2016 and residents were required to use only water from water bottles or filtered for everyday needs. There are currently 97,386 people that live in Flint, that is 97,386 people that are being affected daily by a bare necessity. Clean water should be a necessity, not a privilege.

The city downsized to cut government costs since there was a $25 million deficit as stated in 2011. This meant a pipeline to be built from Lake Huron to Flint, so the flint river was supposed to be a temporary source of water for the city. Residents started claiming the water looked dirty and tasted strange. The state wasn’t maintaining the pipes and using the anti-corrosive agent which lead to eroding iron from the pipes into the water. Several local and state officials were charged with felonies and some were fired. An $87 million lawsuit was approved for the state not following federal law.

A high amount of lead in the system can create kidney failure, behavioral problems, hearing loss, tooth decay, high blood pressure, and many other symptoms. The population that is most affected are children, elderly, and pregnant women.

As of April 2018, the Flint water bottle program comes to an end as the governor believes the water quality is back to safe drinking water levels. Water bottles and filters were handed out the past four years at many distribution points in Flint. Some residents believe that this program should stay open until all lead pipes are replaced. Many residents are skeptical and don’t believe that the water is safe to drink the water. Because the government was initially slow on helping its residents, gaining back trust will take time. The lead pipes won’t be replaced, and the pipeline built until 2020.

Scenarios like these in Flint, Michigan and even around the world give you the perspective that clean drinking water is a human right and should be accessible to everyone. 2.1 billion people do not have clean drinking water as stated by World Health Organization and UNICEF. And six in ten people lack proper sanitation. Transmission of disease and poor health development are some of the consequences of these necessities not being available. Imagine going through life having to think how you will cook your next meal or have a clean shower.

These people of Flint, Michigan acted into their own hands and fought until the government listened to them. Ways you can help include donating to organizations bringing clean water to communities. The United Way of Genessee County has a Flint Fund. Donate to researchers that keep the public informed, such as Flint Water Study.

On a global scale, Unicef provides safe drinking water to more than 100 countries. Contact Your local and national representatives. Find volunteer programs that best suit you.