Beyond Flint: Are other city water supplies in danger?

Environmental activist Erin Brockovich predicts that other cities will have water crises similar to what’s going on in Flint, Mich. “I can’t keep up with where the Flints are happening,” Brockovich warned on a recent “Real Time With Bill Maher” program. “They’re from Indiana, Ohio, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania – 16 cities reporting – California, Alaska, Virginia, New York, Navajo nation… it’s all over.” The activist warned about the Flint water crisis in January 2015, 10 months before the situation hit the national media.

Partnering is key, says Marshall Davert, government and infrastructure president, Americas and Asia Pacific at MWH Global. The company is a Broomfield, Colo.-based engineering firm that specializes in water and natural resources.

“Municipal leaders and the private sector must collaborate to find cost-effective, sustainable solutions to ensure clean drinking water for residents now and in the future,” Davert told GPN. He says there needs to be a willingness to partner on all phases of critical water infrastructure projects, including financing, planning, development and construction.”

Partnering, Davert believes, “represents a true path forward versus making short-term decisions that shortchange people’s health and well-being.” Davert says it’s important for citizens to ask and learn about their community’s water sources and its plans for replacing aging pipes and improving water infrastructure. “Education remains a powerful tool to ensure the long-term safety and success of your city,” he adds.

GPN reported earlier on the Flint water disaster here.

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