Musk Foundation Donates $480,000 to Provide Clean Water to Flint Schools

Elon Musk’s charity, the Musk foundation has made a large donation towards school in Flint Michigan so they can pay for water filtration systems, reported on Friday Flint Journal. The $480,350 donations will see ultraviolet light filtration systems be installed in schools across the region. 

The $480,350 donation by @elonmusk and the @MuskFoundation will pay for new UV water filtration systems at all 12 @FlintSchools buildings and the district's administration building. #ElonMusk #FlintWaterCrisis #Flint https://t.co/YdAgHU5qVl

— Roberto Acosta (@racostaJourno) October 5, 2018

The donation and filtration system are seen as a measure to bring clean water to students until the district can find more permanent solutions to the water crisis. Currently, the water being piped into the school drinking foundation is undrinkable due to contamination by lead. 

Thank you @elonmusk and @MuskFoundation for investing in the health/future well-being FCS Students! Your generous donation will help us replace ALL water fountains w/NEW WATER STATIONS & WATER FILTRATION at ALL SCHOOLS! Looking forward to our burgeoning partnership! More to come!

— Flint Schools (@FlintSchools) October 4, 2018

12 schools to get new systems installed

Filtration systems will be installed in 12 schools across the county, with an expected completion date by the end of January. This isn’t the first time Musk has lent a hand in Flint.

In July, the billionaire tech entrepreneur promised to fix water filtration problems in private homes in the region. On Wednesday, July 11, Twitter user DylanSheaMusic tweeted at Musk saying, “Hey @elonmusk I heard a bunch of people saying there’s NO WAY you could help get clean water to Flint, Michigan. Said you wouldn’t be capable idk.” 

Please consider this a commitment that I will fund fixing the water in any house in Flint that has water contamination above FDA levels. No kidding.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 11, 2018

Musk promises to provide filters in homes

Musk responded later in the day saying, “Please consider this a commitment that I will fund fixing the water in any house in Flint that has water contamination above FDA levels. No kidding.”

[see-also]

To get the job started an email account was set up ([email protected]) where people who still have water contamination levels above the FDA recommendations could send their test results and register for the Musk-funded water filter. 

It is unclear what action has been taken to this date. The Flint water crisis started in 2014 when the city’s water source was switched from Lake Huron and the Detroit River to the cheaper Flint River. 

However due to a lack of adequate water treatment, lead leached from lead water pipes into the drinking water, exposing over 100,000 residents to dangerous substances. Two scientific studies proved the lead contamination was present and in January 2016 an emergency was declared. 

Flint still suffering daily water issues

At this time Flint residents were instructed to use only bottled or filtered water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and bathing. In early 2017 most residents' water had returned to FDA approved levels, however, residents must continue to use bottled water until all the lead pipes have been replaced which will not occur until 2020. 

The school district thanked Musk via Twitter on Thursday night. Musk responded "You're most welcome. Hope to do more to help in the future." The Musk Foundation was started by Elon and his brother Kimbal in 2002. 

You’re most welcome. Hope to do more to help in the future.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 5, 2018

The Foundation's website says they support causes related to renewable energy research and advocacy, human space exploration research and advocacy, pediatric research and science and engineering education.