A Flint native, I can’t quite stop thinking about the water crisis though I no longer live there. I wondered what my peers were thinking, so I asked them.
Andrea Ananich
What is your relationship to Flint, Michigan?
I have lived there most of my life.
Do you currently live in Flint?
Yes.
If so, what are you doing about water?
We drink bottled water for drinking and cooking. Luckily, we are able to bathe in and wash clothes in the tap water.
If you’re buying bottled water, what does it cost you per week?
Usually around $20/$30 on top of our $150 water bill.
What, if anything, are you sacrificing in order to buy water.
Nothing…yet.
When did you first become aware of a problem with the water in Flint?
Well, that is difficult to pinpoint. Right after the switch to Flint River water, we began to smell chlorine and bleach from the tap. We were told to boil the water because of e.coli issues, not realizing that boiling water with lead, intensifies the effects of the lead. I guess the short answer to this question is that we knew something was not quite normal almost right away, but did not realize the extent of the problem until later.
How did you become aware of a problem with the water in Flint?
My husband, an elected official, was informed of the problem and told me that we could no longer cook with or drink the water.
How confident are you that this issue will be solved satisfactorily?
Somewhat doubtful, but hopeful.
What does a satisfactory solution look like to you?
Finding out why this happened to my community and ensuring it does not happen to anyone else ever again.
Do you have family directly impacted by the water crisis?
Yes.
If yes, then how many?
0-5.
What do you want people to know about Flint?
Flint has the capability of being a wonderful place, continually making improvements. We have our issues but there are a lot of positives too.
Are you eligible to vote?
Yes.
Have you voted in the past?
Yes.
Will you vote in the future?
Yes.
What are your hopes for the city of Flint?
I hope that great things will continue to happen and that we will see some good to come from all of the bad.