A look back at the Flint water crisis in 2015

 My commentary as the crisis was unfolding. 
 

An event designed to be a positive step for the embattled city of Flint nine years ago eventually led to a health crisis of epic proportions.

The event was the switch of Flint’s water supply from the Detroit system to the Flint River. The outcome is well-known and well documented. 

Residents complained about brackish, discolored water coming from their taps followed by illness. Debates ensued about whether Flint’s water was safe to drink. The inevitable finger pointing followed with Michigan’s Department of Environmental Quality blaming the city of Flint.

Then came discovery of high levels of lead in the water. Executives in Michigan and the USEPA were eventually fired for their role in the debacle, lawsuits were filed and are still unresolved. Criminal charges were brought against members then Gov. Rick Snyder’s administration including the governor and many of them are unresolved too. 

I could go on but if you’re reading this you likely know the story. If you don’t, an easy Google search for Flint water crisis will take you to a trove of information.  

Looking back  

As the crisis began to unfold and became a prominent story in 2015, I was doing a monthly commentary on Great Lakes and water issues for public radio’s WKAR Current State program in Lansing. The program was hosted by Mark Bashore.  

Below, four commentaries beginning in January of 2015 before the lead issue was known, at least publicly. I recently went back and listened to them, always risky as I’m inclined to do a story and not look back.  

Each segment is 10-12 minutes and part of a broader show with Flint being about 5 minutes. Sometimes Flint is the lead topic and others it follows the lead.  I’ve given each segment a short topic for perspective. 

Heads up, I’m reporting but also commenting so you’ll hear my opinions. 


Here we go.

Flint- Current State January, 2015   Flint Mayor calls for Gov. Snyder involvement
https://www.wkar.org/environment/2015-01-27/great-lakes-month-in-review-iowa-runoff-lawsuit-flints-water-woes 


Flint- Current State March, 2015  Trust is lost
https://www.wkar.org/environment/2015-03-30/great-lakes-month-in-review-fights-over-flints-water-mercury-limits-before-scotus

Flint- Current State November, 2015  Lawsuits aplenty 
https://www.wkar.org/environment/2015-11-24/great-lakes-month-in-review-flint-water-lawsuits-gr-mayor-joins-paris-climate-talks

Flint Year in Review  2016 Current State  Top execs fired and Gov. Snyder’s mea culpa
https://www.wkar.org/environment/2016-12-13/great-lakes-year-in-review-2016


gw

Photo: NOAA