Question

What was one of the policy changes implemented to cut costs in Flint, Michigan?

1) Switching the water source to the Flint River
2) Increasing water rates for residents
3) Reducing funding for water treatment
4) Implementing stricter water conservation measures

Answer 1

The cost-cutting policy change that led to the Flint water crisis was switching the city's water supply from the Detroit municipal water to the corrosive Flint River water, resulting in lead contamination.

Step-by-step explanation:

One policy change implemented in Flint, Michigan, to cut costs was switching the water source to the Flint River. In the spring of 2014, under emergency financial management, this decision was made as a cost-saving measure, projected to save the city $5 million. However, the Flint River's water was corrosive and led to the leaching of lead from the city's aging pipes, resulting in elevated levels of lead in the water and in the blood of residents. These toxic lead levels had particularly harmful effects on children and the elderly, and exposed systemic issues related to environmental justice and the disproportionate impact on low-income communities and communities of color.

The crisis highlighted the ongoing challenges of managing urban water supplies and ensuring the safety of drinking water. Mistakes by Flint's water management team and the failure to adequately treat the corrosive water from the Flint River had severe public health and social consequences from the city.