Mayor declares state of emergency over water problems

FLINT (AP) — Flint’s mayor has declared a state of emergency due to problems with the city’s water system caused by using water from the Flint River, saying the city needs more federal help.

Karen Weaver announced the declaration Monday night and said the move intends to help raise awareness of continuing problems. She said damage to children caused by lead exposure is irreversible and that
the city will need to spend more on special education and mental health services as a result.

Exposure to lead can cause behavior problems and learning disabilities in young children.

Genesee County earlier declared a public health emergency. Officials have told Flint residents not to drink unfiltered tap water.

Flint switched from Detroit’s water system last year to Flint River water in a cost-cutting move while under state emergency financial management. The Flint River was supposed to be an interim source until the
city could join a new system getting water from Lake Huron.

But residents complained about the taste, smell and appearance of the water. Officials maintained the water met safety standards, but children were found to have elevated levels of lead in their blood and it was determined that corrosive river water was drawing lead from aging pipes.

Flint returned to Detroit’s system in October.