Flint, Michigan changed its water source in April, 2014 from treated Detroit Water and Sewerage Department which comes from Lake Huron, to Flint water which comes from the Flint River. The water from the Flint River corroded the pipes causing lead to contaminate the water.

This contaminated water is a danger to the people who have drank it as it can cause serious health problems. Parents are angry because between 6,000 and 12,000 children have been exposed to the contaminated water which may lead to irreversible damage, especially to children under six. Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha said, “Those under age 6 are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning because their nervous systems are still developing and because their body mass is so small; they ingest more lead per pound than adults” (Detroit Free Press).

Flint is under a state of emergency and many people took notice of this. State Governor Snyder sent $30 million to Flint for supplies, medical care, and infrastructure upgrades. Many people outside of Flint are helping too. The people are unable to drink tap water, so they need bottled water. Many individuals and organizations are raising money to send bottled water to people who need it. For example, rapper The Game donated $500,000 out of his own pocket to send bottled water to those in need. His donation was matched by Avita Water on behalf of his charity “The Robin Hood Project.”

Here at Riverbend, cases of water were collected to send to Flint. RHS teacher Ms. Esposito said, “It was my idea, but I got it from Salem Fields Church because they are doing a drive.” The water collected at Riverbend will be given to Salem Fields Church to transport it to Flint.

Many people came to the rescue of Flint’s people, but the water still is not fixed. There is no news on when it will be fixed, so until then, donations will continue to be needed.