The challenge
Flint was under financial emergency and looking to cut water costs.
The case
In April 2014, under a state-appointed emergency manager, Flint, Michigan, switched its water supply to the Flint River to save money, without adding the corrosion control the water needed. The water corroded old pipes, releasing lead into homes. Residents' complaints were dismissed for over a year until a local pediatrician showed that the share of young children with elevated blood lead levels had risen from 2.4% to 4.9%, with the largest increases in disadvantaged neighborhoods. No significant change was seen outside the city. The city switched back in late 2015, and officials faced criminal charges.
Why it didn't work
Cutting costs on a basic safety measure, and ignoring residents' complaints, caused lasting harm. Placing the city under an unelected manager removed local accountability.
Sources
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