photo credit: Linda Parton // Shutterstock

After 6 years and counting of having contaminated water, the residents of Flint, Michigan are able to sue over the water crisis.

The U.S. Supreme Court has given the green light for residents to pursue civil rights lawsuits against the city and their government officials, who are accused of knowing Flint’s water supply had become contaminated and allowing it to happen.

The U.S Supreme Court justices rejected multiple appeals by the city, state and local officials to stop the lawsuit from moving forward. A demand for immunity was also rejected due to the court finding that they violated the residents’ right to “bodily integrity” under the U.S. Constitution by providing the tainted water after switching water sources in a cost-cutting move in 2014.

Flint switched its water source from Lake Huron to the Flint River to reduce costs during a a financial crisis, leading the pipes to corrode from the water. A year later, the water source was switched back but the damage was already done.

Congrats to the people of Flint on this WIN!

Written by Clarke Jones