Written by Tanya Terry, with photos by Tanya Terry
As the community was commemorating the 10th-year anniversary of the Flint Water Crisis, National Clean Water Collective identified several families still facing water challenges. Its #CheckYourTap Water Testing Campaign, launched in 2022, involves a comprehensive analysis that includes testing for 109 particulates to thoroughly evaluate water quality.
Flint Resident Amanda Wheat told the Courier the water crisis has affected her entire family in some way. She said her kids are unknowingly drinking poisoned water, facing health issues and disrupted education because of lead in their taps.
“My oldest son has anger issues,” said Wheat. “He is an amazing kid. He’s an athlete. But he explodes.
“One of my daughters is super emotional and irrational,” Wheat continued. “She’s super intelligent. She’s the sweetest one I have. But she can’t concentrate. She can’t do well in school.
“My husband was in jail at the start of the water crisis. He was forced to brush his teeth, bathe and make his coffee with contaminated water.
“In the beginning, I was having rashes and hair loss.”
But Wheat said the way the Flint Water Crisis affected her other daughter is the most concerning.
“She has several diagnoses. She overacts. She’s violent. She ran away from home, and we had to have a search party for her in December. They expelled her from school. She has oppositional defiant disorder, which all leads back to the lead.”
In addition, the Wheats have lost assets because of the water crisis. They previously owned the house that currently sits next door to them and planned to utilize it as an investment property. But they let it go because of the decreased property value due to the water crisis. Wheaton describes that house as an “eyesore” now.
The Wheat’s business, Outrise Pet Salon,, has been impacted despite its high ratings.
“Our pet grooming business, which has been struggling all along, is now even more challenged due to the contaminated water. We’re doing our best to protect our kids and the animals we care for, but the water crisis keeps reminding us of the challenges we’re up against. After a decade of enduring water problems in Flint, it’s about time we receive the clean water and compensation we’re owed.”
Wheat said the family’s love for God is what keeps them going. She is hoping that somehow the amount of money allowed to Flint residents due to the water crisis settlement is increased.
“We’ve had a hard, struggling life, and it’s all because of the water. I feel there’s been a lot of unfairness. There’s a lot of higher up people who can just do whatever they want. But Flint needs to be made right.”
According to information provided by the National Clean Water Collective, previous testing efforts by the organization have revealed concerning levels of contaminants, including chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane, chloride, arsenic, lead, and manganese – all identified as cancer-causing contaminants. The National Clean Water Collective pointed out these findings underscore the urgent need for continuous monitoring and mitigation measures to ensure the well-being of Flint residents.
The organization has previously transformed five community centers and churches across Flint, including Haskell Community Center and Hasselbring Senior Center, to secure safer water sources for local residents.
Future plans include fundraising initiatives to implement proper water filtration systems designed to effectively remove contaminants and provide residents with access to cleaner and safer water sources.
