Final answer:
Flint's short term goals for water supply and infrastructure focus on replacing lead pipes, testing water safety, and ensuring residents have access to safe drinking water, amidst efforts to recover from the water crisis caused by systemic issues and aging infrastructure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Flint water supply and infrastructure have encountered severe challenges in recent years and the city's short term goals are focused on addressing the immediate concerns raised by the water crisis. In the aftermath of Flint's decision to switch water sources from Detroit municipal water to the corrosive Flint River water, the city's aging water system, composed of a large number of lead pipes, suffered significant damage.
Consequently, the corrosion caused an increase in water lead levels leading to a rise in blood lead levels among residents. This had disastrous effects, particularly for children, highlighting issues of environmental justice and systemic racism.
In response, short term goals for Flint's water supply and infrastructure include actions such as replacing the damaged lead pipes, continuous testing of the water for safety, and ensuring that all residents have access to safe drinking water. These goals are aimed at not only restoring safe water but also at regaining the trust of the community.
To support these efforts, community groups like Flint Rising have mobilized to advocate for the affected residents and to ensure a coordinated approach to recovery.
Finally, in addressing the water quality issues, Flint aims to continue treatment processes to ensure that drinking water meets safety standards and to explore sustainable options for water sourcing and infrastructure resilience.