Flint Water Crisis: What Happened and Why?

Oversights and missteps combined with inherent chemical conditions set the stage for the historic water crisis in River FLINT, Michigan. The elevated levels of lead found in the drinking water of residences in Flint have had a profound effect on the level of trust within the community and the state, the economy of the region, and the health and well-being of the residents of Flint and the surrounding communities. Many warnings and concerns were voiced regarding the use of the Flint River as a community water source. Taste-and-odor-causing compounds were removed using activated carbon, along with the addition of ammonia and sodium chlorite.