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Anger over Flint's water woes is reaching a boiling point

Steve Carmody
/
Michigan Radio

The demand for clean water is growing louder in Flint.

Dozens of people chanted “Fresh, Clean Water” as they jammed the lobby of Flint city hall Monday.

The anger over the city’s long-simmering water problems is reaching a boiling point. 

People have been complaining since April of last year, when the city switched from Detroit water to the Flint River as the city’s source of drinking water. 

Concerns about the water’s taste and smell have been replaced by fears of rising lead levels in Flint’s drinking water. Virginia Tech researchers blame the "corrosiveness" of the Flint River for the elevated lead levels. Other research shows children’s blood lead levels in Flint have doubled since the switch.

A coalition of groups say the time has passed for further testing.  

Pastor Allen Overton is calling on Gov. Snyder and Flint’s elected leaders to immediately return to getting the city’s drinking water from Detroit.

“If we do not get any response from either of them, we will begin to protest in this city like they have never seen before,” says Overton. 

Flint pastors plan to meet with their attorney tomorrow to review their options.  

Meanwhile, Gov. Snyder says his office is talking with Flint leaders and collecting facts. The governor declined to say what action might be taken next.   

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.
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