Flint Michigan Water Crisis: State Decision Exposes Majority-Black City to Lead

In April 2014, state-appointed emergency manager Darnell Earley switched Flint's water source from Lake Huron to the Flint River to cut costs, without adding corrosion inhibitors. The corrosive water leached lead from aging pipes into homes across the majority-Black city. State officials, including Governor Rick Snyder's office, suppressed and dismissed evidence of contamination through 2015. Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha's pediatric study confirmed elevated blood lead levels in children by September 2015. An estimated 6,000–12,000 children were exposed to lead. Eighteen officials were charged; most charges were later dropped or dismissed after legal disputes. Infrastructure replacement remained incomplete a decade later.