In 2014, city officials in Flint, Michigan switched their

Last updated: 7/8/2022

In 2014, city officials in Flint, Michigan switched their drinking water supply from Detroit's system to the Flint River to save money. Poor treatment and testing of the water resulted in a crisis. The health of many residents was affected, including the outbreak of Legionnaires' disease (a severe form of pneumonia). City officials ignored the problem for 18 months, but began testing the water supply once it caught the media's attention. The testing found high levels of copper and lead in the water supply. This monitoring was important for identifying and treating the problem. Over the last two years the levels of copper and lead have continued to decrease. Which statement best describes why it is important to public health to continue monitoring even though levels have dropped over the last 2 years? Old pipes could begin to leach chemicals back into the water supply allowing officials to fix concerns before they become a problem again. Public service announcements could be made to discourage people from throwing trash, that seep chemicals into the water supply, out of car windows. If the levels rise again, city officials will know to order additional medicine for local doctors and hospitals in order to treat the people effected by poor water quality. If levels continue to decrease the city could shut down more treatment plants that are not needed and instead use the money to build factories near the water supply.