10 years after Flint’s lead water crisis was discovered, a lack of urgency stalls “proper justice”
10 years after Flint's lead water crisis began, a lack of urgency stalls 'proper justice' NBC News
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Tapping from the Flint River: A Report on the Flint Water Crisis
Introduction
In an effort to access water from Lake Huron, the city of Flint, Michigan, temporarily tapped into the Flint River as a water source. This decision was celebrated as a return to the city’s roots and a step towards self-sufficiency. However, the switch to the Flint River as a drinking water supply quickly led to concerns among residents.
Water Quality Issues
Residents began to complain about the taste and appearance of the water, describing it as “weird” and noticing a murky, foamy texture. Despite these concerns, the mayor dismissed them and claimed that buying bottled water was a waste of money. However, after testing positive for E.coli bacteria, a boil advisory was issued. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also raised concerns about contaminants, including lead, leaching into the water system from the pipes.
Mark Wilson / Getty Images file
Lead Contamination and Health Risks
In the summer of 2015, researchers from Virginia Tech discovered abnormally high levels of lead in Flint’s water. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that exposure to lead can have severe consequences, especially for children, including slowed growth and development, behavioral problems, and damage to the brain and nervous system. The Flint water crisis led to a federal government investigation, the resignation of key officials, and the city’s return to using Detroit water. Additionally, a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak raised concerns about the city’s water supply.
Jim Watson / AFP via Getty Images file
Current Situation and the Sustainable Development Goals
Despite the attention brought to lead-contaminated tap water and the issue of environmental justice, the city of Flint has not completed the installation of new service lines. This failure to address the problem highlights the need for immediate action in Flint and nationwide. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a framework for addressing issues like access to clean water and environmental sustainability. It is crucial that the local government in Flint takes steps to solve the water crisis and ensure the well-being of its residents.
‘Still Suffering’
Melissa Mays, a social worker in Flint, has been a vocal critic of the local and state governments’ handling of the water crisis. She is angered by the fact that some children in her community have never been able to drink tap water safely. Mays attributes various health and learning challenges faced by her three sons, including ADHD, anxiety, kidney damage, and immune system issues, to the lead in Flint’s water.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.1 By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all | Not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | Not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6 By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | Not mentioned in the article |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
The issue highlighted in the article is the contamination of the water supply in Flint, Michigan. This aligns with SDG 6, which aims to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all
The article discusses how the water in Flint was contaminated with lead, which poses health risks to the residents. This target emphasizes the need for safe and affordable drinking water.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
No indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.1 By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all | Not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | 3.9 By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination | Not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6 By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management | Not mentioned in the article |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: nbcnews.com
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