Introduction

Flint, Michigan, a city located in the United States, made national headlines in 2014 when it changed its water source from Lake Huron to the nearby Flint River. Shortly after the switch, residents began complaining about the quality of the water, which was discolored, foul-smelling, and tasted strange. This article will explore the reasons behind the city's decision to change its water source and the aftermath that ensued.

The Decision to Change Water Sources

In 2011, Flint was under the control of a state-appointed emergency manager who was tasked with getting the city's finances in order. One of his proposals to save money was to switch the city's water source from Lake Huron, which was supplied by the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, to the Flint River. The switch was initially intended to be temporary, as the city awaited the completion of a new pipeline that would bring water from Lake Huron to the area. However, the Flint River was known to be heavily polluted, and environmental activists warned the state-appointed emergency manager of the potential dangers of the switch.

The Aftermath

Almost immediately after the switch to the Flint River, residents began complaining about the quality of the water. The water was brown and had a foul odor, and people reported rashes, hair loss, and other health issues. Despite these complaints, the state-appointed emergency manager and other state officials insisted that the water was safe to drink. It wasn't until 2015, after numerous complaints and reports of lead poisoning, that the city switched back to the Detroit water system.

Lead Poisoning and Public Health Crisis

The switch to the Flint River exposed the city's residents to high levels of lead, a toxic metal that can cause serious health problems, especially in children. The city's aging infrastructure caused lead to leach into the water supply, and the state's failure to properly treat the water exacerbated the problem. A public health crisis ensued, and the city became the subject of national scrutiny. Michigan Governor Rick Snyder declared a state of emergency, and the National Guard was called in to help distribute bottled water to residents.

Conclusion

The decision to switch Flint's water source to the polluted Flint River was a decision based on cost-saving measures rather than the health and well-being of the city's residents. The environmental dangers of the river were well-known, and yet the state-appointed emergency manager ignored the warnings of activists and switched the water source anyway. The aftermath of the switch resulted in a public health crisis that caused irreparable damage to the city's residents, many of whom are still dealing with the effects today. The Flint water crisis serves as a grim reminder of the importance of prioritizing public health over cost-saving measures.