Skip to Content
Los Angeles

This Petition Wants to Avoid a Flint Disaster in Los Angeles

9:10 AM PST on February 23, 2016

The water crisis at Flint, Michigan continues to shock (and in some cases, enrage) citizens across the country. Now, a petition wants to avoid the same situation from happening in Los Angeles.

The Change.org petition entitled "Help Stop Another Flint Disaster" has garnered more than 30,000 signatures. According to the petition, "Los Angeles has switched to the same cheap disinfectant, chloramine, which is believed to have compounded Flint’s water crisis." The petition calls on the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to switch back to chlorine "until better alternatives, can be implemented."

However, an article from Curbed LA (dating back to 2012) paints a different picture. According to the post, chloramine actually serves as a better alternative to chlorine.

According to the CDC, small amounts of chlorine shouldn't cause any health issues. When it comes to chloramine, the levels in water should remain at around 50 mg/L.

Meanwhile, the situation at Flint continues to escalate. According to CNN, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently urged both state and city to put their best efforts forward in meeting an official order created last month. Among other concerns, the letter states that "the City has not yet demonstrated it has an adequate number of qualified personnel to perform the duties and obligations required to ensure the City's public water system complies with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs), including the LCR."

The main problem in the crisis lies in the decision to switch from water supply in Detroit to Flint River. Obviously, Angelenos want to avoid a similar situation from happening so that these concerns don't end up being an issue for Los Angeles. But the factors are different in the City of Angels. And the CDC's statements don't make it entirely clear which substance proves more damaging than the other.

So far the petition has gained 34,455 supporters out of a goal of 35,000.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

The Seven Best Tacos Across the J Line (Formerly Known as The Silver Line), From La Puente to Gardena

From calamari tacos to Oaxacan-style braised goat on handmade freshly nixtamalized corn tortillas and Mexicali-style "cooler burritos," this may be the best Metro bus line to take for tacos in the county.

March 28, 2024

L.A. Spent Over $1.73 Million on These Controversial ‘Anti-Homeless’ Signs. Do They Actually Work?

Earlier this month, a leaked memo from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) suggested that these 41.18 zones rarely led to unhoused people being moved into interim shelter or permanent housing. After being cleared, most 41.18 zones quickly became repopulated.

March 27, 2024

Two New Lowrider-Inspired and Dodger-Blue L.A. TACO Hats Are Now Available!

Wear your L.A. TACO swag and support our inclusive, street-level community journalism!

March 27, 2024

A Morning-Only Taco Pop-Up in Northridge Is Making the Biggest Breakfast Burritos in the San Fernando Valley

What does it take to stand out in Los Angeles's saturated taco climate? Focus on San Fernando Valley-style loaded breakfast tacos, "breakfast quesadillas" with crispy cheese skirts, and the beefiest breakfast burritos Balboa Boulevard has ever seen.

March 26, 2024

The Second Round of TACO MADNESS 2024 Is Now Open for Voting! Meet ‘L.A.’s Sweet 16’ That Advanced

Save the date! Our 15th annual taco tournament is taking place on April 13th at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes near Olvera Street. Pre-sale tickets are now available. Our online tournament starts on Monday. Check out this year's contenders!

March 26, 2024
See all posts