The Flint water crisis has been one of the most tragic domestic crises to emerge in recent memory. In 2014, the city was ravaged by contaminated water supplies. The unprecedented lead levels caused the children of Flint to develop hand-eye coordination problems and growth issues. Lead poisoning has permanently ruined the lives of children across the Michigan city. On January 24, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality announced that lead levels had finally tested below the federal guidelines. However, the people of Flint aren’t ready to believe just yet.
1700 residents from Flint filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The lawsuit asks for more than $700 million in damages. Whether the lead levels are low or not, it’s clear that Flint residents feel the EPA has failed them. Now, they’re seeking retribution.
So, what are the federal limits for lead in drinking water? The government allows 15 parts per billion (ppb). During the water crisis, Flint’s levels tested as high as 20 ppb. In the six-month study that just concluded Dec. 31, tests showed lead levels at 12 ppb. There’s no doubt that there’s been an improvement. But it doesn’t erase the damage that’s already been done.
Over the last two years, Flint residents have had to rely heavily on filtered or bottled water for everything from bathing to cooking. The toxic lead levels were present for months before local officials alerted citizens to the danger in their faucets. And now, even though lead levels are low, residents are still being directed to use filtered water until the city’s lead-damaged pipes can be completely replaced.
The ultimate sign of progress would be an ability to drink water from their homes.
“If it’s been years and I still can’t drink or use the water, then what progress is that?” resident Tonya Blooming said, in an interview with NBC News.
Residents feel it’s too early to trust the lead testing results. Though $100 million of government funding has been secured to continue repairs in Flint, there’s still a long way to go.
“There is still more work to do in Flint, and I remain committed to helping the residents recover and restore their city,” Governor Rick Snyder said in a statement.
While he’s right about the work left in Flint, he’s wrong about the residents’ patience. It seems they’re destined to take matters into their own hands.