The water quality issue in Flint, Michigan, became critically impaired after the city switched its water source from the Detroit water system to the Flint River in April 2014. This change was made as a cost-saving measure while the city was under state management.
The Flint River water was not adequately treated for corrosion, which led to lead leaching from pipes into the drinking water. While the city did add chlorine to the water supply to reduce harmful bacteria, the lack of proper corrosion control measures allowed lead to contaminate the water supply. This situation resulted in a public health crisis, exposing residents to high levels of lead and other contaminants.
Eventually, after numerous complaints from residents and advocacy from public health officials and researchers, the city switched back to the Detroit water system in October 2015. Nonetheless, the damage to the drinking water infrastructure and the public health consequences had already occurred, leading to long-term impacts on the community.