More water problems in Flint, Michigan

$2 million for Flint water system needs.

Rick Snyder has released some – but not all – of his government emails related to Flint’s water emergency.

“We have an abundance of community volunteers, and we’re just so thankful to the community for giving us all this water and supporting us”, said Jeremiah. Murray said he didn’t know if workers promoted that it was available, but no signs prohibited the public from drinking water from the cooler.

Other cities in western and central NY also moved to help Flint -True Bethel Baptist Church in Buffalo collected and sent a truckload of bottled water on Friday, with two other truckloads to follow.

While the Flint water crisis has gotten the most attention for citizens in the area being exposed to toxic chemicals, Detroit News reports that children in cities like Grand Rapids, Detroit, Saginaw, Muskegon, Jackson, and Holland test at higher percentages for having lead levels.

Speculation is that the Flint water system may have been damaged “beyond fix”, and that the system will likely require a complete replacement; this is what has driven the estimated costs so high. They say it would take Congressional action to meet Michigan’s request.

There’s no guarantee Congress will OK this money. Sen. “What happened in Flint can never be allowed to happen again anywhere in our state”. “So let’s do something about it”.

Dr. Edwards and a group of students called the “The Flint Water Study”, took samples over a six month period and learned there were major problems in the water supply.

Residents complained of various health problems from using the local water after this switch, including respiratory disorders and skin lesions, despite officials’ assurances that the water was safe.

State Attorney General Bill Schuette said his office can’t defend them and that they need to find their own lawyers, according to a new federal court filing. The corrosive water lacked adequate treatment and caused lead to leach from old pipes in homes and schools. Because of that, into January, it’s still not safe enough to drink and may not be until the water infrastructure is completely overhauled.

“Flint, Michigan, is on our mind and that we truly care for them and they are not alone in this”, Blanks said.

Lurie Friday urged people to have their water checked for lead before drinking it – even if it’s been filtered.

Rick Snyder, who apologized in his State of the State speech for his handling of the crisis, will not attend the hearing.

The state has come under fire for its handling of the Flint water crisis up until now, with some demanding Snyder’s resignation. And whatever heat he’s faced, it’s nothing compared to what the people of Flint are going through.

Snyder also couldn’t put a time frame to when Flint residents will have potable water, but he said he hopes within the next few months something can be accomplished. “And how they are in a worse place than I am”.