Truthout is a vital news source and a living history of political struggle. If you think our work is valuable, support us with a donation of any size.
In a place that bills itself the Great Lakes State, you’d think people would understand and appreciate the universally critical importance of water.
But the frightening truth is, a growing number of cities around the state are finding themselves in one water-related crisis after another. And perhaps no Michigan city best exemplifies our worsening water woes more than Flint, the once-thriving auto manufacturing town whose emergency manager severed the city’s ties to the Detroit water and sewerage system and ordered that water from the Flint River be pumped into local ‘ homes and businesses.
Since then, water bills have continued to rise. Residents have complained that the water is not only smelly and brown, but has left some residents physically ill. Yet, despite their cries, city leaders insist that everything is alright. For Flint residents, though, those assurances have gone down about as easily as the water they’re being asked to drink.
As our mini-documentary points out, it’s all been “Hard To Swallow.”
To read more about Flint water, go to Democracy Watch.
Press freedom is under attack
As Trump cracks down on political speech, independent media is increasingly necessary.
Truthout produces reporting you won’t see in the mainstream: journalism from the frontlines of global conflict, interviews with grassroots movement leaders, high-quality legal analysis and more.
Our work is possible thanks to reader support. Help Truthout catalyze change and social justice — make a tax-deductible monthly or one-time donation today.