Case Study:

THE FLINT WATER CRISIS

AND IT’S HEALTH
IMPLICATIONS
Presented by Radin A. Landrio
INTRODUCTI
ON
 uction
Introd
The Flint water crisis, which unfolded in the early
2010s, is a case study of a public health disaster
resulting from a series of decisions related to the
city's water supply. This report delves into the
background, health implications, government
response, and long-term effects of the crisis.
 KEY
FINDINGS
 Key Findings

1. Water Contamination with Lead:

•The decision to switch water sources led to
the corrosion of aging pipes, contaminating
the water supply with lead.

• Elevated levels of lead in drinking water

had severe health consequences, especially
for vulnerable populations such as children
and pregnant women.
 The Science
Behind It
Corrosion
Caused
Tainted

Lead
 Key Findings

2. Legionnaires' Disease Outbreak:

• A simultaneous outbreak of
Legionnaires' disease, caused by the
Legionella bacteria, was linked to
the water supply.

• The outbreak added another layer

of complexity to the public health
crisis.
 Key Findings

3. Government Response and Public Health

Initiatives:
•The government's response was criticized
for its delayed action and lack of
transparency.

•Public health initiatives were initiated to

address immediate health needs, including
testing, healthcare services, and support for
affected populations.
BACKGROUN
D
 1. Decision to Switch Water Sources
(2014):
•The city switched its water source from the Detroit Water and
Sewerage Department to the Flint River to save costs.
 1. Decision to Switch Water Sources
(2014):
•The city switched its water source from the Detroit Water and
Sewerage Department to the Flint River to save costs.

2. Identification of Water
Contamination (2015):
•Residents began reporting discolored and foul-smelling water.
•Independent studies confirmed high lead levels in the water.
 3. Emergence of Legionnaires' Disease
Cases (2014-2015):

• A spike in Legionnaires' disease cases was noted, leading to

investigations linking it to the water supply.
 Govern m e n t
Resp onse
ck of n s e a n d l a s .
l a y e d r e s p o o f t h e c r i s i
•D e f t h e e x t en t
l e d g m e n t o r s a n d t h e i r
ackn o w c y m a n a g e
o f e m e r g e n
•The r o l e s .
k i n g p r o c e s n i t o r
i s i o n - m a e st a n d m o
dec p s t a k e n t o t
e d i a t e s t e
• Imm e s i d e n t s .
v e l s i n r t o t h o s e
lead le r v i c e s p r o v i d e d
e a l t h c a r e s e
•H
f e c t e d .
 25%
State of emergency, blame, and criminal charges.
• Analyzing health records from 2008 to 2015, researchers
found that fertility rates in Flint dropped by 12 percent and
fetal deaths rose by 58 percent after the water was
switched to the Flint River in 2014.
 Social and Economic Impact
Effect on the Flint
Community
•Loss of trust in
government
institutions and water
infrastructure.
 Social and Economic Impact
Effect on the Flint Rebuilding
Community Trust
•Loss of trust in •Establish open and
government transparent
institutions and water communication channels
infrastructure. between government
officials, experts, and the
community.
 Social and Economic Impact
Effect on the Flint Rebuilding Community
Community Trust Resilience
•Loss of trust in •Establish open and •Ongoing efforts to
government transparent rebuild trust and
institutions and water communication channels strengthen community
infrastructure. between government resilience.
officials, experts, and the
community.
HELPFUL TIPS
MADAMO
NGA
SALAMAT!