Berry College holds panel on Flint water crisis

Michigan switched Flint's water source from Lake Huron, which is part of the Detroit system, to the Flint River.
Michigan switched Flint's water source from Lake Huron, which is part of the Detroit system, to the Flint River. | File photo

Berry College recently hosted a panel to discuss the crisis in Flint, Michigan, where drinking water was tainted by lead.

Faculty from Berry and community members from Rome served on the panel during the discussion at McAllister Auditorium. The program was sponsored by Berry Multicultural and International Student Programs and the Year of Service Cultural House.

The state of Michigan decided to switch Flint's water source from Lake Huron, which is part of the Detroit system, to the Flint River in 2014 due to budget cuts. The switch to the Flint River was meant to be a temporary move, but the poor water quality has put Flint in a state of emergency. Tests done on children’s blood has revealed an increase lead, and learning disabilities and other problems have been associated with the contamination.

The panel also talked about possible consequences and solutions to the crisis.