PAD 201 The Flint Water Crisis Class Assignment #11

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Suffolk University *

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201

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Mechanical Engineering

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Jan 9, 2024

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PAD 201 Social Change Civil Rights The Flint Water Crisis Class Assignment #11

Please reflect on the video that you saw in class and answer the questions below. 1. What was the cause of the Flint Water Crisis? The Flint water crisis was caused by a series of decisions made by local and state officials in Flint, Michigan, in the United States. The crisis began in 2014 when the city, under emergency management due to financial difficulties, switched its water source from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) to the Flint River to save money. However, the Flint River water was not properly treated with corrosion control chemicals, which caused lead from aging pipes to leach into the drinking water supply. This resulted in elevated lead levels in the tap water, leading to a public health crisis. 2. What were the effects on children and families as a result of the water? Lead exposure from drinking the contaminated water led to lead poisoning in many children. Lead poisoning can result in developmental delays, learning difficulties, behavior and mood changes, and long-term cognitive and neurological impairments. The contaminated water also resulted in other health issues among children and families in Flint. There were reports of skin rashes, hair loss, and other skin conditions related to the water quality. The water crisis had emotional and psychological impacts on children and families in Flint. The stress, anxiety, and fear associated with the health risks of lead exposure and uncertainty about the safety of the water supply took a toll on the mental health and well-being of residents, including children. Many families experienced trauma and distress due to the crisis. Many families faced increased costs for purchasing bottled water, installing water filters, and seeking medical care for lead poisoning and other health issues. Some families in Flint had to relocate temporarily or permanently due to the water crisis. 3. Who do you think were to blame for the crisis? State officials in Michigan, including emergency managers appointed by the state to oversee Flint's finances, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), were responsible for oversight and regulatory compliance. There were findings of failures in enforcing

regulations, dismissing concerns, and inadequately responding to the water quality issues raised by residents and experts. 4. What is your assessment of how government, nonprofits, businesses, and the community addressed the water crisis? Government: The response from government entities, both at the local and state levels, faced significant criticism for their handling of the crisis. There were allegations of failures in decision-making, lack of transparency, inadequate response time, and insufficient communication with the affected community. However, there were also efforts made by some government officials to address the crisis, such as declaring a state of emergency, coordinating relief efforts, and implementing measures to improve water quality and aid affected residents. Nonprofits: Nonprofit organizations played a crucial role in addressing the crisis by helping affected residents. Many nonprofits, including local and national organizations, stepped in to provide bottled water, filters, and other supplies to impacted families. They also offered support services such as medical screenings, mental health counseling, and legal aid to help address the health, social, and economic impacts of the crisis. Businesses: Some businesses and corporations also provided support during the water crisis. For example, bottled water companies, grocery stores, and other businesses donated water and supplies to the affected community. Some businesses also provided financial support, including donations to relief funds and assistance to affected employees. Community: The Flint community demonstrated resilience and activism in response to the water crisis. Residents, community leaders, and activists worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the issue, demand accountability, and seek solutions. There were grassroots efforts to distribute water and supplies, organize protests, engage in advocacy, and push for policy changes to address the crisis. 5. What do you think were missed opportunities? Early detection and prevention: There were concerns raised by residents and experts about the quality of Flint's water shortly after the switch in water source in 2014. However, the response from government agencies was slow, and the severity of the issue was not

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fully acknowledged or acted upon in a timely manner. Early detection and prevention measures could have mitigated the extent of the crisis. Proper corrosion control: The failure to implement proper corrosion control measures when switching to the Flint River as a water source was a critical oversight. Corrosion control is a standard practice in water treatment to prevent lead and other contaminants from leaching into the water supply. Communication and transparency: There were concerns about lack of transparency and communication from government officials during the crisis, which led to mistrust and confusion among residents. Long-term planning and infrastructure investment: The Flint water crisis highlighted the need for long-term planning and investment in water infrastructure, including replacement of aging pipes and fixtures. More proactive measures to address the aging water infrastructure and invest in necessary upgrades could have potentially prevented the crisis or mitigated its impacts. Environmental justice considerations: The Flint water crisis raised issues of environmental justice, as most of the affected population were low-income and African American residents. Some argue that there could have been better recognition and addressing of the systemic inequalities and social factors that contributed to the crisis, and more proactive efforts to involve and engage affected communities in decision-making processes. Emergency response coordination: The crisis response efforts involved multiple government agencies, nonprofits, and other stakeholders, and coordination among them was challenging at times. Improved coordination and collaboration among different entities involved in the response could have led to a more efficient and effective response. 6. What was your reaction to the video? What surprised you, and what did you find interesting? It seems so scary I can’t even imagine going through this. What surprised me how the director of health department Nick Lyon tried to

justify all his wrongs by saying “We have to die sometime” this was such an insensitive comment.