Page 16 - HSMP student project

What was the effect of the Flint, Michigan water crisis on the people that lived there?
By: Isaac
On April 5th, 2014, Flint’s water
source was switched from Lake Huron to
Flint’s local river to reduce costs
(Kennedy). People started to report that
the water tasted and smelled funny, and
said that there was a greenish tint to it
(“FLint Water Crisis Fast Facts”).
Residents and organizations had
advocated for changing the water supply
several times, but these cries were
overruled (“Flint Water Crisis Fast Facts”).
Eventually, Michigan’s governor at the
time, Rick Snyder, obliged and signed a bill to reconnect to Detroit’s water system (“Flint Water Crisis Fast Facts”).
However, the damage had already been done. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), only 12 people died of complications relating to drinking contaminated water (Livengood). However, a study conducted by FRONTLINE, a PBS show, shows that at least 20 people, out of 78 reported cases that were linked to the crisis, died (“Flint Water Crisis Continues it’s Deadly Toll”). In this article, the topic of the Flint water crisis will be covered. In addition, a spotlight will be shone on Flint’s administration, an administration that was too slow to
react and one that blatantly rejected and ignored glaring health violations in favor of saving money.
Flint is one of the poorest
cities
Michigan. According to an article written in 2019, Flint is in the top 25% of the poorest cities in
Michigan, with an average household income of around $27,000 (Mack). In 2014, Flint was in a financial crisis, with 4
Wellness 101 - Spring 2020
in