What’s Taking So Long? Flint’s Water Crisis Isn’t Over

It’s hard to believe it’s been more than a decade since the beginning of the Flint Water Crisis. It all started on April 25, 2014, when the city switched its water source from Detroit’s supply to the Flint River. Almost immediately, residents began complaining about changes in the water’s smell, taste, and color.

A Chain Reaction of Failures

By August 2014, boil-water advisories were issued due to high bacteria levels. Then, in October, General Motors stopped using Flint’s water entirely because it was corroding their engine parts.

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In January 2015, Flint was found to be in violation of the Safe Drinking Water Act after high levels of trihalomethanes (TTHM) were detected. One resident’s tap water tested at an alarming 104 parts per billion of lead—well above the EPA’s limit of 15 ppb.

The Health Toll and Response

The root of the crisis: Flint River water wasn’t properly treated, causing lead to leach from aging service lines. Soon after, lead levels spiked, and the city began distributing filters, bottled water, and testing kits. The long-term health consequences have been devastating.

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Fast forward to 2025: Lead service line replacement is still not complete. While the city says the project is nearly done, many residents remain skeptical.

Will It Finally End?

Local media reports the city’s contract didn’t require pipe replacements at vacant homes or homes where owners refused service. The State of Michigan has stepped in and now promises to finish the job by Fall 2025.