Jude Patto

A parent should not have to wonder whether the water coming from the kitchen sink is safe for their family. We are students from the Oakland Community College Biology Club and ACS Student Chapter, and we created Clear the Tap to help families in Detroit and the surrounding area who are worried about their water but may not be able to afford testing and filtration on their own. This project started with research, but it quickly became personal. The more we learned about aging plumbing, lead concerns, and other water-quality issues, the more we realized how many families are left with questions they cannot easily answer and solutions they cannot easily afford. We did not want this to stay as just another class discussion. We wanted to turn science, education, and community outreach into something that could help people in real life. Our goal is simple: help families get answers about their water and help them get access to effective filtration when they need it. Not every home has the same water problem, and not every home needs the same filter. That is why our project is built around a practical approach: test the water first, understand the results, and then help match that household with the right filtration option instead of guessing. Donations to this fundraiser will help support water testing, filtration systems, installation help when available, and educational materials that families can use to better understand and protect the water in their homes. As this project grows, we also hope to stretch every dollar further through partnerships, reduced-cost equipment, and community support. We are raising money now because families should not have to wait for long-term infrastructure fixes before they can take steps to protect themselves at home. If someone is worried about the water coming from their tap today, they need practical options today. This fundraiser is organized by Oakland Community College Biology Club, and all funds will be tracked and used for project-related testing, filtration, outreach, and direct support for participating households. We will continue posting updates so donors can see our progress, community events, and how donations are being used. If you give to this fundraiser, you are not only supporting a student project. You are helping turn research into action and helping a family move closer to safer water. If you are not able to donate right now, sharing this page with friends, family, local businesses, community groups, and anyone who cares about public health would still make a real difference. Thank you for helping us Clear the Tap.