Genesee County Sheriff Seeks Reimbursement for Bottle Water and Food for Inmates

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is seeking reimbursement for water and food for staff and inmates.

running water

The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is hoping to get reimbursed for bottled water and dry food purchased for staff and inmates. The office started purchasing the items after the county declared a public health emergency last week for residents drinking Flint’s water.

Sheriff Robert Pickell says his department is testing the water at the jail for lead.

“Even if there is a little bit of lead in the water. Lead is lead. I know there is lead everywhere,” Pickell says. “They say we should be at a low level. But that’s not a satisfactory answer to me.”

Pickell says a filter for the water main at the jail would cost $18,000. 

Author

  • Bre'Anna Tinsley
    Bre'Anna Tinsley is a reporter for Detroit Public Radio, 101.9 WDET. She covers city government and housing, as well as co-hosting the "Detroit Evening Report" podcast.