The people of Flint have suffered an absolute tragedy as the result of a very preventable issue. The Flint water crisis extends beyond just a governmental error and, instead, into the wide range of system failures that can take place, originating from decades past and that ultimately result in a present and recurring tragedy.
The Flint water crisis begins with the shift of control over the city’s business and stability to an emergency manager in November of 2011. Appointed to solve the city’s budgetary crisis, decisions were made by the emergency manager that culminated in the decision to switch the city’s water to a source other than Detroit water in 2013. With the Flint River chosen as the alternative source until Lake Huron could be used, starting with April 25, 2014, the problems began. Boil warnings started as early as August 15th, with continued problems extending to the present. GM discontinued use of Flint water in October, less than six months after the switch occurred. The University of Michigan – Flint campus reported in early 2015 what far too many had already suspected: lead levels were significantly higher than normal in Flint’s water.
But why? In short, the caustic nature of the Flint River’s water resulted in lead pipes being eroded. Fragments of lead within pipes, ‘burned’ away by the Flint River’s water, resulted in lead chemicals pouring out of faucets, drinking fountains, hoses and showers citywide.
The months and years since these findings began unfolding were widely publicized after community members and medical professionals raised the alarm on Flint’s water. Since UM – Flint’s findings, the entire Flint community has suffered its own problems, and frequent tragedies due to problems with the water. Ranging from health problems associated with lead levels to damages caused to local businesses and property owners, in addition to the ‘long-term impacts on the health of children, pregnant women and more, the Flint water crisis has been a man-made disaster. So what now?
The future needs to be paved with solutions specifically focused upon helping the community of Flint recover as much as possible from the impact lead-poisoning has had on their lives. Our work in Flint is aimed at ensuring that damages of the future are as recognized and resolved as current efforts to address issues today. The inconvenience of having to use bottled water should not be the only injury the viewing public see when they examine the Flint water crisis. Instead, a vigilance on fixing problems that can emerge in the future must be maintained.
If you have been impacted by the Flint water crisis, visit our website dedicated to this issue or call us at our main office by dialing (844) 820-0675. Doing so will preserve your legal rights and provide all the consideration and assistance you're entitled to receive.