Drink Water AND Live in Flint, MI Gov. Rick Snyder Told

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FLINT, MI – Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said Monday that he will drink Flint tap water for a month to reassure residents their drinking water supply is finally safe after a horrific public health catastrophe.

Snyder’s, who aims to restore flagging public confidence in the city's drinking water supply, collected filtered water for his personal use from a home where the lead water level has exceeded allowable federal levels.

“I completely understand why some Flint residents are hesitant to drink the water and I am hopeful I can alleviate some of the skepticism and mistrust by putting words to action,” Snyder said in a statement on his website.

“Flint residents made it clear that they would like to see me personally drink the water, so today I am fulfilling that request,” he said. “And I will continue drinking Flint water at work and at home for at least 30 days.”

“Drinking filtered water does not impress us at all,” Flint Mayor Karen Weaver fired back Tuesday.

See Also

• HBO Satirist John Oliver Takes On Flint Water Crisis: Watch
• Legionnaires Death Toll Now 12 in Flint Area: Report
• Toughest Lead Water Rules in Nation Proposed in Michigan
• Watch: Congress Eviscerates Rick Snyder Over Flint Water Crisis

If Snyder is really interested in showing empathy for residents of the beleaguered city, where thousands have been exposed to dangerously high lead levels in their drinking water under his watch, the governor should pack a few bags and live in Flint for 30 days, Weaver told The Detroit News.

“He needs to come and stay here for 30 days and live with us and see what it’s like to use bottled or filtered water when you want to cook and when you want to brush your teeth,” Weaver said.

“We have key high-level staff in Flint and talking with the mayor’s office, members of her administration and city council nearly every day,” Snyder spokesman Ari Adler told the newspaper.

The governor’s office said earlier this month that state, federal and independent water quality experts have shown the water quality in Flint is improving and is safe to drink as long as a filter is in place.

The protective coating is being restored to Flint’s pipes, which is an important measure needed to provide quality water until lead pipes can be replaced.

The experts have also recommended a flushing protocol for all homes, to help improve the flow of the treatments as well as flush pieces of lead out of the pipes. The state said it will provide an additional credit on upcoming water and sewer bills to be applied for the costs incurred by flushing approximately 600 gallons through each home.