Water testing in Flint will take place between September 6 and 14, and results will be presented from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on September 17. at First Union Baptist Church, in conjunction with the 5th Annual Pen PALs Youth Environmental Justice Forum.
According to Syrah Scott, executive director of National Clean Water Collective (NCWC), roughly 10 businesses and 90 residential households have signed up to have their water tested through the #CheckYourTap Water Testing Campaign. Scott stated, “there is a waiting list for other households and businesses that are interested in getting their water tested.”
“We want a sample to understand what’s happening in the community,” Scott explained.
NCWC has partnered with a nationally accredited lab to test the water samples.
The September 17 event will include a panel discussion, special guest speaker, educational and water activities for kids, building tour to see the newly installed water filtration system, music performances and refreshments.
NCWC decided to launch the campaign because of the requests received from Flint residents to test their water. Community members complained about discoloration, sewage smells and mold growing on their faucet.
Scott said, “the COVID-19 pandemic pushed back our testing timeline, but now seems like the right time for the campaign, considering the recent water main leak that happened on Lake Huron, and complaints of water quality by Flint residents. Folks are very concerned and want resolve.”
Anyone who lives in one of Flint’s nine wards is eligible for water testing through the program.
The youth leading the 5th Annual Pen PALS Youth Environmental Justice Forum are ages 18-22. Although most of the students are from Flint and participated in previous events, others are traveling from as far as California and New York to take part in this worthy cause. Youth Brand Ambassador, Antonio Sweeney, will return from Morehouse College to help lead the forum. NCWC has also partnered with youth organization WICC, Water Insecurity Correction Coalition, Inc, to help test Flint homes and businesses.
“The kids will be leading the discussion,” Scott said. “They’ll be talking about real solutions for the problem. Many of the students are outspoken and are at a point where they want to see change. They will talk about their experiences of going through the Flint Water Crisis, improvements they want to see, how they can make impact in their city, and will answer questions from the audience.”
This is the fifth year the Annual Pen PALs Youth Environmental Justice Forum has taken place. The focus of the forum changes from year to year.
The National Clean Water Collective (NCWC) is a grassroots/non-profit organization that provides nationwide relief to communities experiencing a water crisis. They started in Flint and have since expanded their support to Newark, NJ, Texas, Jackson, MI and the Bahamas. NCWC’s motto is: Provide Support. Build Community. Find Solutions.
“Our #ReplaceRestoreRise Clean Water Project tackles safe water issues from the root of the problem, while implementing the best possible solution for each municipality we serve,” Scott stated. “From lead pipe replacements, packaged water, water filtration systems, to water testing, educational awareness and community events – we cover it all!”
The water tests NCWC provides gives residents and business owners another option in addition to what the City offers.
“NCWC has adopted a POE water treatment system that’s gone through extensive testing by the DEQ (EGLE) to remove over 99% of lead & other harmful toxins from tap water. So far, we’ve successfully completed five clean water projects in Flint, Michigan to provide residents with clean running water throughout their home, church and community center. Our goal is to educate and empower residents to secure their right to clean water and replicate our model across America.”
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