The change in water quality in Flint, Michigan was primarily caused by the decision to switch the city's water source from Lake Huron to the Flint River in 2014. This decision was made as a cost-saving measure, but the Flint River water was not properly treated for corrosion control, leading to the leaching of lead from old pipes into the drinking water supply. The elevated levels of lead in the water led to a public health crisis in Flint, with many residents experiencing a range of health issues as a result of lead exposure. Additionally, the Flint River water was found to have higher levels of bacteria and other contaminants, further compromising the water quality in the city.
