World Water Day 2022
I had the opportunity to sit on a panel sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Tau Omega Chapter for World Water Day 2022. Former Flint Michigan Mayor Karen Weaver was invited to discuss the Flint Water Crisis. The focus was on lessons learned from the Flint Water Crisis. As a resident of Michigan, I was interested in what she considered “lessons learned”. Mayor Weaver gave the answer that I expected. NOT ENOUGH. Although the Flint Water Crisis was exposed in 2014, there continue to be water issues in Flint.
Benton Harbor and Hamtramck, Michigan discovered lead in their water years after the Flint Water crisis. One thing these cities have in common is that a large number of minorities live in these communities. Now when water issues arise, local and state governments act quickly. That was not always the case. Mayor Weaver pointed this out during the presentation as well. Former Michigan Governor Snyder is still in court regarding the Flint Water Crisis.
Thanks to the brave actions of Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha and Mayor Weaver, who stirred things up in Michigan, America took notice of clean water issues. Cities across America are discovering their water contains lead. Poor and minority communities are affected substantially more than more affluent communities. Mayor Weave believes there are cities across America that have yet to discover they have high levels of lead in their water.
So, I asked Mayor Weaver what ordinary citizens could do if they suspect their water was tainted. She suggested people get involved, run for office as she did, show up at meetings, and make their voices heard.
At the end of the event, I made a call to action. Write and or call your local city council.
Contact your US Senators and encourage them to support H.R. 5376 Build Back Better which provides funding for safe drinking water. You can email your senators at:
Or you can call 202-224-3121 to be connected to your Senators office.
Make sure you include the bill number when you ask for support. Please be aware you will be asked for your name and zip code. Lawmakers want to know if you are a constituent.
The EPA provides a Safe Drinking Water Hotline –1-800-426-4791
At the end of the day, everyone has to be an advocate for water. You cannot live without water, it’s in everything and all of us.
