An brief introduction to the Flint Water Crisis
In 2014, the city of Flint, Michigan switched its water supply from Lake Huron to the Flint River. This switch was primarily intended to save money.
Within several months of switching the water supply, residents of Flint began to suffer from multiple health issues and rashes. They noted that the water was now foul-smelling and discolored.
City officials repeatedly told residents that there was no issues and that the water was safe for consumption and general use. Later analysis would confirm that the water was heavily contaminated with lead, an incredibly toxic substance for organic life.
The majority of the residents of Flint were African-American and were predominantly low-income.
Vox Media: Flint’s Water Crisis
The Big Question: How Did Flint’s Water Become So Contaminated?
Under the U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act, officials are required to add proper treatments to water that is too corrosive, such as the case for the Flint River. In on-going efforts to save money, no anti-corrosion treatment was added during water treatment operations.
Flints per-existing water infrastructure was antiquated, with many buildings, homes, and schools, to just name a few, using aging lead piping.
The untreated and corrosive water from the Flint River then began to leach lead from the lead-lined piping systems.
Pressure from city residents coupled with outside independent agencies began to mount. Despite this, city and state officials still denied any problems existed with the water system.
Health Concerns
Thousands of families were exposed to and ingested lead. Many children were unknowing victims as early exposure to lead can lead to lifelong neurological issues.
Even over a decade later, many families still residing within Flint do not trust, or even use their piped in water system for fear of contamination and a lack of trust in city and state officials.
At least 12 known individuals died from Legionnaires’ disease, which was directly linked to exposure to the toxic water supply.
Sociological Concerns: A Prime Example Of Environmental Racism
“Flint’s crisis was not just about water. It was about democracy, dignity, and who counts as human.”
-Dr. Robert D. Bullard
According to U.S. census data, Flint’s population was about 54% Black and roughly 40% of the population resides below the poverty line.
These population dynamics mirror the results from the famous research study Toxic Wastes and Race, where race and income were predominately linked to environmental hazards and toxicity.
In this case, preexisting structural and institutional failure helped transform this issue from simply environmentalism to a case study on environmental racism.
Dr Robert Bullard, often called one of the fathers of environmental justice, claimed that Flint’s Water Crisis reflected structural racism and that Flint, MI was systematically poisoned like many other low-income and minority communities.
During the time of the water crisis, Flint was under direct command by a state emergency financial team. This was a form of political disenfranchisement as it removed any voice or input from Flint’s residents and their representatives.
Flint’s Conclusion
After years of suffering and exposure, in 2016 Governor Rick Snyder declared a state of emergency for Flint. Multiple officials were charged for various crimes and neglect, however, many were eventually thrown out.
The state replaced more than 11,000+ of the original lead pipes and restored full service to more than 28,000 properties.
In 2021, a civil settlement for $626 million was approved for the residents of Flint. However, there have been numerous issues with distribution and eligibility for the settlement money.
References:
Reilly, Katie. “Congress to Hold Hearing on Flint Water Crisis, Report Says.” TIME, 21 Jan. 2016, time.com/4189299/flint-water-crisis-congress-committee-hearing/.
Census Reporter. “Flint, MI.” Census Reporter Profile, censusreporter.org/profiles/16000US2629000-flint-mi/.
Living on Earth. “Flint’s Water Crisis Is an Example of Environmental Racism.” Living on Earth, PRX Public Radio International, 19 Aug. 2016, www.loe.org/shows/segments.html?programID=16-P13-00033&segmentID=1
Flint replaces lead pipes 10 years after water crisis. NBC News, 1 July 2025, www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/flint-replaces-lead-pipes-10-years-michigan-water-crisis-rcna216442
Western Michigan University Libraries. “Flint Water Crisis Research Guide.” WMU Libraries, libguides.wmich.edu/flintwater.