Written by Emmeline Fernandez
Flint, Michigan has been without clean water since April 2014. We are in July of 2019, making this crisis a relentless murderer for over five years now. Flint citizens went from half a century of using filtered water from Detroit’s Lake Heron, the third largest body of freshwater in the world, to relying on polluted resources from Flint River, all in hopes of cutting costs. When officials switched the supply, it was revealed that the water had not been treated properly and thus, large amounts of lead were found in its system. The lead came from old corroded pipes, which were initially installed in 1901 during the Roosevelt administration.
Lead is not to be consumed and if contact is made, the consequences cannot be reverted. Since the crisis was announced, government issued water filters were given to homes and businesses in hopes of providing them with clean water. However, this attempt at rectifying the issue served as no use, for the filters failed and as a result there have been many deaths linked to lead poisoning, most commonly referred to as Legionnaires disease. Again, there is no cure. Most of the victims of this disease are children. Children who have either limited or no health care whatsoever. Children who have weak immune systems and as a result, are targeted by this murderous disease infesting their water, the one inalienable source necessary for survival. The magnitude of what the citizens of Flint have endured and continue to fight against are large, yet somehow remain minute when in comparison to other tabloids.
If interested in making either a monetary donation or volunteering your time/services, you are encouraged to visit the links below.
To donate water, use the information below:
All Pallets and Cases of Water over 100:
Food Bank of Eastern Michigan
Address: 2300 Lapeer Rd, Flint, MI 48503
Call: (810) 239-4441 ask for Tina Martinez, Director of Operations to schedule a delivery
Loose water, cases, and pallets of any size are welcome.
Weekdays: Catholic Charities
Address: 901 Chippewa St, Flint, MI 48503
Call: (810) 232-9950 to plan for delivery
(Information taken from the City of Flint website at www.cityofflint.com)
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