Would YOU drink this? People of Flint share horrifying pictures of the water they were told was safe as they turn on the governor

  • Drinking supplies were found to contain lead that had leached from old plumbing after the city switched sources to save money
  • There were 87 confirmed Legionnaires' cases, including 10 deaths, from June 2014 to November 2015, compared to only 21 cases in 2012 and 2013
  • Michigan health officials said they can't conclude that the increase was related to Flint's water
  • Flint pulled water from its river for 18 months until last fall but didn't use treatments that could have reduced corrosion and removed contaminants
  • Local officials declared a public health emergency in October in response to elevated levels of lead in children
  • Lead can cause behavior problems and learning disabilities in children as well as kidney ailments in adults

By Reuters

Published: | Updated:

The stomach-churning pictures of discolored drinking water that has come out of the taps of the residents of Flint, Michigan has been flooding social media.

Sickeningly, state officials insisted for months that the water was safe, despite growing evidence that they had reliable information showing how toxic the water truly was

Everyone from homeowners to hospitals was affected by the contamination which saw water turn a dirty shade of brown. 

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State officials insisted for months that the water was safe, even as residents complained about the smell and taste of it almost immediately after the switch 

Flint, Michigan, is facing a man made public health crisis. Its inhabitants were repeatedly told by government officials that visibly contaminated tap water was safe to drink

In April 2014, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder decided to switch Flint's water source from the Detroit water system to the Flint River in a cost-cutting measure. Not long after, complaints began about the quality of the water

In April 2014, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder decided to switch Flint's water source from the Detroit water system to the Flint River in a cost-cutting measure. Not long after the switch, complaints began streaming in regarding the quality of the water

Snyder pledged Monday that officials would make contact with every household in Flint to check whether residents have bottled water and a filter and want to be tested for lead exposure while his embattled administration works on a long-term solution to the city's water crisis

Snyder pledged Monday that officials would make contact with every household in Flint to check whether residents have bottled water and a filter and want to be tested for lead exposure while his embattled administration works on a long-term solution to the city's water crisis

Protesters have been protesting at the capital demanding Governor Rick Snyder’s resignation for his role in the crisis and for his failure to act appropriately, many holding bottled tap water to showcase how obviously and thoroughly the water is polluted.

Most of the effects of lead poisoning are irreversible and can be serious, even deadly, and the exact extent and severity of the lead poisoning in Flint is still unknown. 

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has asked President Barack Obama to declare both an emergency and an expedited major disaster in the county.

Snyder said on late Thursday that he requested federal aid in Genesee County to protect the safety of Flint residents. Earlier this week, he sent the Michigan National Guard to distribute bottled water and other supplies.

Despite civic concerns, officials assured residents there was nothing to worry about, but to assuage the people's anxieties, the city said, they would provide free water filters 

Despite civic concerns, officials assured residents there was nothing to worry about, but to assuage the people's anxieties, the city said, they would provide free water filters 

Flint resident Andrew Watson, back right, drops to the floor in tears as Flint Police stand guard at the city council chamber doors, not allowing city residents to listen to Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder speak

Flint resident Andrew Watson, back right, drops to the floor in tears as Flint Police stand guard at the city council chamber doors, not allowing city residents to listen to Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder speak

Bottles filled owned by Flint residents Jessica Owens and Tonya Williams, filled with water, sit on the table outside of city council chambers as Gov. Snyder speaks during a news conference in Flint

Bottles filled owned by Flint residents Jessica Owens and Tonya Williams, filled with water, sit on the table outside of city council chambers as Gov. Snyder speaks during a news conference in Flint

Unsafe: Even tap water in Flint's hospital is a dirty shade of brown in what is supposed to be a sterile area

Unsafe: Even tap water in Flint's hospital is a dirty shade of brown in what is supposed to be a sterile area

The financially strapped city was under control of a state-appointed emergency manager when it switched its source of tap water from Detroit's system to the nearby Flint River in April 2014 to save money.

Flint, which is about 60 miles northwest of Detroit, returned to using that city's water in October after tests found elevated levels of lead in the water and in the blood of some children.

The more corrosive water from the Flint River leached lead from the city pipes more than Detroit water did, leading to the problems.

'I am asking President Obama to provide additional resources,' Snyder said Thursday.

On Friday, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said he would investigate whether any laws were violated in the crisis. 'No one should have to fear something as basic as turning on the kitchen faucet.'

The assistance Snyder has requested could include grants for temporary housing, home repairs and other needs. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will review the request and advise Obama.

Four percent of Flint's children have elevated levels of lead in their bloodstream ¿ double the share affected a few years ago, according to tests from Flint's Hurley Medical Center confirmed by the state

Four percent of Flint's children have elevated levels of lead in their bloodstream — double the share affected a few years ago, according to tests from Flint's Hurley Medical Center confirmed by the state

The crisis from lead-poisoned water came after state authorities ignored months of health warnings about foul-smelling water in Flint

The crisis from lead-poisoned water came after state authorities ignored months of health warnings about foul-smelling water in Flint

Flint residents already are being urged to use drinking water filters, which are being distributed for free along with bottled water

Flint residents already are being urged to use drinking water filters, which are being distributed for free along with bottled water

Flint residents Keri Webber, left, and Janice Barryman, center shouts out in support as more than 150 gather to protest against Gov. Rick Snyder, asking for his resignation and arrest in relation to Flint's water crisis

Flint residents Keri Webber, left, and Janice Barryman, center shouts out in support as more than 150 gather to protest against Gov. Rick Snyder, asking for his resignation and arrest in relation to Flint's water crisis

The White House said on Friday it would consider Snyder's request. A FEMA spokesman said the agency will give its recommendation to the president as soon as possible. Several Michigan members of Congress on Friday urged Obama to provide the aid.

Also on Friday, a bipartisan group of leaders on the House energy and commerce committee sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency requesting a briefing 'in the coming days' on the Flint crisis.

Some Flint residents sued Snyder, other officials, Michigan and the city on January 7 in Genesee County court, seeking class action status covering all residents.

Other Flint residents late last year filed a federal lawsuit. Genesee County also has seen a spike of Legionnaires' disease resulting in 10 deaths that may be related to the water crisis, state officials previously said.

Snyder said on Friday he supports the return of more executive powers to Flint Mayor Karen Weaver. Since the city is in receivership, a city administrator is currently responsible for day-to-day operations.

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