Ep 12. Flint's Deadly Water

In the documentary special "Flint's Deadly Water," investigative journalists from Frontline examine the devastating impact of the Flint water crisis. The episode begins by exploring the history of the crisis, which began in 2014 when the city of Flint, Michigan switched its water supply from Lake Huron to the Flint River. The new water source was contaminated with lead and other toxic substances, but city officials ignored warnings from residents and experts and continued to distribute the water to the community.

As a result, thousands of people in Flint were exposed to dangerous levels of lead and other toxins, with particularly grave consequences for children and pregnant women. The episode features interviews with residents who have suffered health effects from the contaminated water, as well as medical experts and public health officials who have been working to address the crisis.

One of the key themes of "Flint's Deadly Water" is the role of government officials in perpetuating the crisis. The episode examines how officials at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality failed to properly test the water in Flint, and how Governor Rick Snyder and other state officials were slow to respond to reports of contamination. It also explores the deep-seated racial and economic inequalities that contributed to the crisis, including the city's long history of segregation and disinvestment.

Throughout the episode, Frontline journalists draw on extensive interviews and archival footage to provide a comprehensive picture of the crisis and its aftermath. They explore the efforts of activists and community members to raise awareness and demand accountability, as well as the legal battles that have played out in the years since. The episode offers a powerful indictment of the failures of government and the urgent need for systemic change to ensure safe and sustainable water supplies for all.

Overall, "Flint's Deadly Water" is a deeply moving and urgently important piece of investigative journalism. It provides a searing portrait of a community that has been devastated by greed, negligence, and systemic injustice, and offers a powerful call to action for viewers across the country to join the fight for justice and accountability. Whether you are already familiar with the Flint water crisis or learning about it for the first time, this episode is an essential and eye-opening piece of television that should not be missed.