KID REPORTERS’ NOTEBOOK
Helping Kids in Flint
Kids in Flint, Michigan, are suffering from a water crisis. I recently traveled to the city to see how the lack of access to clean water was affecting local students and how kids around the country are offering support.
Residents of Flint have not been able to drink local tap water, cook with it, or brush their teeth with it. The Environmental Protection Agency says that the water is safe to bathe in, but people have been reporting rashes and other skin irritations.
The problem started in April 2014, when Flint changed its water source, leading to lead contamination in the city’s aging water pipes. Between 6,000 and 12,000 children have been drinking water with high levels of lead, which can cause serious health problems, including developmental disabilities.
In January 2016, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder declared a state of emergency in Flint. Snyder and other state officials have faced mounting criticism for mishandling the crisis, which will take years to resolve.
WATER BOTTLES PILING UP
During my visit to Flint, I toured Eisenhower Elementary School and spoke with principal Rachel Turner. “The biggest challenges we have had to contend with are having enough space in the building to store the water, and the overwhelming amount of recycling,” Turner said.
I noticed cases of water and recycling bins in every classroom. So many water bottles are piling up that the recycling company sometimes has to make an extra trip mid-week.
Another dilemma for Eisenhower is the fact that more than two-thirds of students stay after school for enrichment programs. “Many of our children stay until 6 p.m.,” Turner said. “Many students choose to stay beyond 6 to participate in our sports programs. Due to our extended hours, our children are in need of water all day long provided by the school.”
Turner, who is grateful for the outpouring of support, is hoping that once the crisis is resolved, her students will be able to thrive in the years ahead.