Right now there is no daily government run water distribution servicing residents of Flint, Michigan that is safe to drink. Flint's water supply is contaminated with lead leaching from the city's pipes due to the introduction of untreated river water by the city's state-appointed emergency manager.
With 40.1% of the residents of Flint living below the poverty line, these people are also cannot afford to purchase bottled water. Many people are relying on food banks, missions, and other sources of donated water bottled water just to survive.
Gov. Rick Snyder has declared a state of emergency, which should have prompted a state response and allow for a federal response. But with no emergency response from the state, federal response is necessary.