Comparing the 2014–2016 Flint Water Crisis to the 1993 Milwaukee Cryptosporidium Outbreak

Abstract

Contrasting the 1993 Cryptosporidium parvum outbreak in Milwaukee to the 2014–2016 Flint Water Crisis through an environmental justice perspective examines how the cities’ population demographics influenced the local, state, and national governmental responses and outcomes. In October 2014, the Flint Emergency Manager switched from Detroit's water system to the Flint River. Without corrosion controls applied, Legionnaires’ disease cases increased, and childhood lead poisoning levels spiked twofold in Flint. In Milwaukee, the cryptosporidium outbreak impacted the five-county area serviced by Milwaukee Water Works. City officials shut down the contaminated treatment facility and began preventative measures. While the city of Milwaukee boosts a high minority population and low median income, Milwaukee's surrounding areas are predominantly white, and the median income is nearly double of the city. The socioeconomic makeup in the City of Flint triggered the government's denial of problems with the Flint River's water and the lack of response, thus demonstrating that the Flint Water Crisis is an example of environmental injustice. In many ways, Milwaukee's income and demographics parallel Flint. However, the distribution of cryptosporidium, where mainly white individuals became ill, influenced the recognition and long-term solutions applied. Comparing the origins of the crises and costs concludes that the populations shaped political responses. Thus, situational environmental injustice explains differential outcomes. The localized governmental response in Milwaukee and impacted population effectively ended the cryptosporidium outbreak. However, the state control in Michigan and inadequate coordination with other agencies have prolonged the Flint Water Crisis. Finally, long-term policies are suggested for Flint.