Success: Michigan Will Replace Lead-Contaminated Pipes in Flint

Target: Reverend Alfred Harris, President of the Concerned Pastors for Social Action

Goal: Applaud organization for winning lawsuit to replace corroded pipes in Flint, Michigan.

Lead contaminated pipes in Flint, Michigan will be replaced over the course of three years. In 2014, the city’s water supply was switched to the local river, which corroded the pipes, allowing lead to leach into the water. Months passed before officials finally responded to outcry, which included this ForceChange petition as well as physical evidence of murky water, rashes, and lead poisoning in children. A lawsuit spearheaded by several advocacy groups, including Concerned Pastors for Social Action, was approved, forcing Michigan to set aside over $87 million in order to replace service lines for about 18,000 homes.

Though Flint’s water supply had been switched back to Detroit, the damaged pipes were still causing problems for the city’s residents. Replacing the pipes will ensure that the water is safe and will allow the state to taper off the bottled water program. In addition to replacing pipe lines, Governor Rick Snyder pledged to invest in the future of Flint and develop projects to improve the city. Sign this petition to thank the advocacy groups who fought for new pipes for the city.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Reverend Harris,

I am writing to thank and congratulate you for what you’ve done for Flint, Michigan. The nation was appalled when it was revealed that corroded pipes were causing rashes and lead poisoning in children, and it is thanks to your efforts that the infrastructure mistakes made by Michigan officials will be fixed.

The state dragged its feet for far too long and would likely have taken much longer to offer long-term relief to the people of Flint. Without this lawsuit and contribution from other advocacy groups, citizens may have continued to suffer indefinitely. Thank you for fighting for the people of Flint and ensuring that their water lines are replaced.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture