By McKenzie Lacefield

The water in Flint, Michigan has been contaminated with lead since April of 2014, almost two years ago.

At that time, the city was under control of a state-appointed emergency manager. The city started drawing their tap water from the Flint River, acting as if it was the city water treatment plant while waiting for a new water pipeline.

Anyone who has drank the city water or bathed in it was een exposed to lead. Over 8,600 children has been exposed.

It wasn’t until Jan. 12 that Governor Rick Snyder mobilized the National Guard to distribute bottled water and water filters.

“Perhaps one thing that can be done to help is a bottled water drive, where people collect bottled water to, bring to Flint because they can’t drink or shower in it,” history teacher Marcie Buckmaster said.

“It’s a lesson in how people aren’t paying attention. Government can fail us and then we feel a lack of courage to do anything but instead, people should be vocal and spread the awareness because if it could happen in Flint, it could happen anywhere.”