Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel responded to a Facebook post by Warren Mayor Jim Fouts regarding safe drinking water.
The first post, which came just after 11 p.m. on Wednesday, said a major environmental scandal was brewing in Macomb County.
"If what I heard and understand is true this could cost the taxpayers a good deal of money and somebody must be held accountable for this unacceptable mess," Fouts wrote. "This is a developing situation. Could be a mini version of what happened in Flint."
Hackel was joined by Bill Ridella from the Macomb County Health Department. Hackel said he received numerous calls from people concerned about the water in the area, but nothing is wrong.
"It's very disappointing to create that kind of hysteria in Macomb County. I don't know what else to say, I find that absolutely deplorable," Hackel said. "No public official should ever exploit the crisis in Flint."
Hackel said they already know that Fouts backed down from his statement on a second Facebook post. That post reads: "Just viewed my Facebook comments. I want to assure everyone in Warren that our water is safe and there is no environmental problem in our city. There is however an issue of some importance but I'm not able to discuss that issue only to say that it is being dealt with and hopefully will not cost as much as I was originally told. I'm not going to point the finger at any individual or city, but only wait and see if this issue is taken care of as soon as possible."
According to Ridella, they reached out to the water department who said they were blindsided by the announcement because the water is fine. Ridella said they also reached out to the Great Lakes Water Authority who assured them everything was fine and they were also unaware of the information.
Ridella said this is not a public health issue and the water is safe in Macomb County.
"No one knows what he was referring to or what his issue was," Hackel said. "Whatever his issue is, it certainly wasn't elevated to the level of the Flint crisis. Don't use Flint."
