the Flint water crisis
The Flint water crisis began in 2014 when the city of Flint, Michigan, switched its water supply to the Flint River to save money. This water was corrosive and leached lead from aging pipes, contaminating the drinking water. Residents reported foul-tasting, discolored water and suffered health issues, including lead poisoning. Despite warnings, authorities failed to act quickly, leading to a public health emergency. The crisis highlighted failures in government oversight, infrastructure, and environmental justice, prompting widespread criticism and legal consequences. Flint's water quality has since improved, but the community continues to deal with the effects of the crisis.
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The Flint water crisis began in 2014 when the city of Flint, Michigan, switched its water supply to the Flint River to save money. The river water was not treated properly, causing lead from aging pipes to leach into the drinking water. This resulted in widespread lead contamination, posing serious health risks, especially to children. Residents reported health issues and poor water quality, sparking outrage and legal actions. The crisis highlighted failures in government oversight and infrastructure, leading to significant public health concerns and a loss of trust in local authorities.