On April 25, 2014, the city of Flint, Michigan changed their water supply source from Lake Huron to the Flint River. This was done as a cost effective solution for the struggling city but turned into a public health crisis. Flint’s water treatment plant was unable to add corrosion control treatment when the city started pumping drinking water from the Flint River because it required expensive equipment upgrades that the impoverished community couldn’t afford. The switch to the Flint River introduced lead-poisoned water into the homes of many which caused residents to complain about the smell, taste and appearance of the water.
A state of emergency was issued on January 16, 2016, despite the fact that the city reconnected to the original Detroit water system later that same month. The coalition took further action in March 2016 to address an urgent need by filing a motion to guarantee that all residents would have access to safe drinking water through a bottled water delivery service or a robust filter installation and maintenance program. Governor Snyder stated that the city would discontinue giving people bottled water in April 2018, as it appeared that everything was in order. Lead levels remained below the federal action level from July 2016- June 2018, which provided evidence that the situation was improving. Although it may look resolved from the outside, it is crucial to remember that lead pipes continue to supply water to thousands of Flint households.
According to the state Attorney General’s office, Michigan will pay a $600 million settlement in the Flint water crisis. The state will contribute $600 million, the city of Flint $20 million, McLaren Regional Medical Center $5 million, and Rowe Professional Services Inc. $1.25 million, totaling more than $626 million. According to officials, the settlement will cover around 80% of the claims of children who were minors when first exposed to Flint River water, 2% of which will go toward special education services, and 18% will cover adult claims and property damage. Although this cannot erase the hardship and health effects that were a result of state officials’ shortcomings, it will provide families with compensation for injuries and problems that were a result of the water crisis.