Michigan Governor Rick Snyder announced on April 18 that he will drink Flint tap water for at least a month to show that it is already safe to do so.
The Flint community has been down by the water crisis involving high levels of toxic substances found in tap water. Bad laboratory results just keep coming one after the other, discouraging the residents and leaving them helpless in the process.
On March 4, the city announced its FAST Start Program, which aims to remove the city's first lead water service line. This sparked hope for the community, but hesitations remained and no matter how officials say the water is now safe for consumption, the people still find it hard to believe fully.
Heeding The Public's Call
Snyder received a request to visit a home that was gravely stricken by the Flint water crisis. The said home was recently tested and was found to have high amounts of lead via the state's testing program.
Snyder talked with the homeowner and explained the water situation, including the the importance of using water filters to ensure safety.
After this talk, he drank filtered water with the family to show that the water is now safe for consumption.
Snyder says he fully sees the point of some Flint residents who are skeptical in drinking the water. He hopes to lift some of that worries and lack of trust by turning his words into actions.
"And I will continue drinking Flint water at work and at home for at least 30 days," he adds.
Snyder acknowledges that the public particularly requested for him to personally drink Flint tap water for 30 days or for an entire month. He marks that day as the start of his response..
Snyder even left with a supply of filtered water from the home that is sufficient enough to get him started. He plans to use the water both for drinking and cooking. He will get his refill of Flint water during his weekly visits to the city.
Improving Flint Water
Just this month, the federal, state and independent water quality specialists came to a unanimous finding that the water quality in Flint is indeed improving. Ultimately, the water is now safe for consumption, provided that a water filter is installed.
Workers are still in the midst of restoring the protective coating of the water pipes - a measure that is vital until all lead water pipes are changed.
Meanwhile, authorities advise the public to follow the home flushing protocol they have released to boost the flow of treatments.
