Research Question: How Does Defects in Water Supply Infrastructures Impact Citizens?

Since we wanted to discuss how defective water reservoirs affect citizens, we decided to begin research with examples of such beginning with the controversial Flint, Michigan water crisis**:

What Happened in Flint, Michigan?

Flint, Michigan has been experiencing severe lead poisoning in their reservoirs since 2014. 

The contamination was caused by the erosion of the water supply pipes which ultimately caused lead to seep into the drinking water of thousands of people.

Another Brief Example of Water Contamination:

There was an outbreak of cholera in London, England due to a well (water supply) being contaminated with sewage. This epidemic claimed the lives of 500 people over the course of ten days.

What are Reservoirs?

A reservoir is a large natural or artificial body of water where water is collected, stored, and used as a water supply.  These such places can be lakes, rivers, and ponds.

**Abigale was responsible for this portion of the project.

Next, we wanted to delve into what issues can arise during the transport from reservoirs to the homes of citizens**:

What are Issues in the Water Infrastructure?

The first thing that we researched were some issues that the United States as a whole faced with water safety. We found an article that touched upon multiple different issues that have happened across the country and gave a little more detail about each situation.

Bringing the Issue Closer to Home

The next step was to find something that was more personal to us as New Yorkers. We stumbled upon an article that talked about how there were wooden water mains that were still in use from the 1800’s, up until 2006. These pipes have many issues and safety

**Krystian was responsible for this portion of the project.

NYC Schools Water Safety

To find more about the water infrastructure inside the buildings, we found this page on the NYC Schools website which details the decaying and lead infected water within their buildings**.

**Justin was responsible for this portion of the project.

Housing/Work

Lastly. What you can do and how it relates to us

**Joshua was responsible for this portion of the project.