Friday, November 11, 2016
Can't just sweep them under the rug
The residents of Flint, Michigan who have not yet had their water lines replaced or had filters installed on their faucets must be provided with 96 half-liter bottles of water per week per person until the problem is corrected.
Under the ruling by Judge David M. Lawson of Federal District Court, state and city officials must immediately begin providing each Flint resident with at least 96 half-liter bottles of water per week as the city works toward a permanent solution.The emergency nature of the situation, despite having run for 2 years now, was recognized by the judge. This is not something that will fade away if nothing is done, and something must be donefor every one affected. This is not something we can expect from judges that will be appointed going forward.
“How the water crisis is resolved ultimately will be left to the City of Flint and the State of Michigan,” Judge Lawson said in his preliminary injunction. “Nonetheless, there is an immediate danger to Flint residents.”
The city is not required to deliver water to residents whose homes have properly installed and working filters, are unoccupied or decline the service.
Judge Lawson also ordered that officials provide information in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic and Hmong, to residents about lead levels of city water and how to install filters that properly reduce the contamination.
Lawyers for the city and state could not immediately be reached for comment about whether they plan to appeal the ruling.
The ruling came as a result of a lawsuit filed by Concerned Pastors for Social Change; Melissa Mays, a Flint resident; the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan; and the Natural Resources Defense Council.
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