As a plumbing contractor I have to say the recent occurrence in Flint MI is one of the most disturbing situations I have ever seen. Oftentimes as plumbers we hear of polluted water in homes; usually the home has well water and the well has become polluted. I grew up in that situation.
   I remember going to a fresh water stream with my parents and filling up jugs for drinking water.
It was a very difficult situation, especially in winter. This was just the way it was, wells go bad sometimes. We finally were able to afford to dig a new well that had good water (save a recent situation that occurred which will be considered another time).
    The fact that an entire city had to deal with lead poisoning due to an economic decision and a lack of responsible procedure is simply unacceptable. The public was subjected to this poison; it seems, for several months or more. If there was such a cover up or neglect this would be a crime.
For families who are trying their best to take care of themselves with all the pressures of life as we know it, to have to deal with poison water secretly being ingested is just awful. Plumbers try their best to practice safe and dependably for the health of their customers. We have addressed the problems of lead in water in previous newsletters. The fact is many municipalities have lead lines;
these lines are coated over because the water is treated and the lead in general stays put. (It is still a good idea to run the tap for a few moments before drinking or cooking with it; never use hot water for cooking or drinking).
       Hopefully the citizens of Flint will be compensated for this terrible breach of their rights to expect their water not to be on a list of dangers to watch in this already stress filled society.
                   Thanks, JJ