The Flint Water Crisis: A Case Study on Flint, Causes of the City's Downfall, and the Need for New American Infrastructure

Abstract

This research project is an investigation of the central causes that led to the condition of the city of Flint, Michigan, as of 2019. Based on the central causes, it is imperative to stress the need for an improved infrastructure in the United States of America. Provided in the research is an analysis of the primary events, such as the important governmental decisions, environmental conditions, and socio-political dynamism, that led to the collapse of Flint’s systems. The methodology used is that of a case study, specifically an analytic narrative. The primary cause of the Flint Water Crisis is the water source switch from the Detroit Water and Sewage Department to the Flint River, which was done to save the city money. The research herein can be applied to find solutions, as well as develop preventative measures for similar situations in the future. The research for this paper is imperative as a contribution to the relatively recent incident. Given the significance of the event, the included information is relevant to the general public as it raises awareness of the circumstances that made possible the rapid undoing of an organized system. If a reader becomes informed of the Flint downfall and therefore takes steps toward avoiding a similar tragedy in the future, this project will have accomplished a necessary duty to the public