Folkes decided sharing was in order, noting Hamilton’s water has more than once been named “Best Tasting Tap Water in the World,” at the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting.
Folkes and others planned to distribute the water themselves to disadvantaged people, because, “from what we understand, not everyone is actually getting the water that they need,” he said. The drop-off point will be the Police Athletic League’s Haskell Center in Flint.
Flint water has been tainted with lead since city switched to the Flint River for its water supply.
“I’ve got to really tip my cap to the individuals who really started the whole thing, and that’s Bettina Short and Michael A. Folkes,” Moeller said. “They wanted to get something done, and they’re getting it done.”
“His goal is to get it directly into the community where it’s needed,” Moeller said.
Short said Flint residents have been using bottled water to clean, drink, cook, eat, bathe, brush their teeth and wash their hair.
Especially helpful with the need for non-drinking water were contributions by Lowe’s and Home Depot, which donated more than 1,000 five-gallon reusable buckets. Volunteers filled the reusable buckets with Hamilton water.
Among many who have helped were University of Cincinnati students; Tedia Co.; Kiwanis Club members; Hamilton firefighters; students at St. Julie Billiart; and city government, which itself donated some bottled water, the mayor said: “It is so much the right thing to do, and I thank everybody who’s been involved with the collection.”
Short said although the goal of five truckloads has been met, another trip is planned, although the company has stopped seeking contributions. Those who wish to donate, however, can do so by dropping water off at the company, 3095 McBride Court, in Hamilton.
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