What caused the change in water quality in Flint, Michigan?

1. The city was taken off the Detroit water system to save money.

2. City officials decided to stop fully treating the water to save money.

3. The Flint River became contaminated which caused lead to get into the water.

4. City officials ignored the Clean Water Act and allowed wastewater to be dumped into the river.

1. The city was taken off the Detroit water system to save money

Explanation:

The Flint water crisis is a public health crisis that started in 2014, after the drinking water source for the city of Flint, Michigan was changed.

Flint officials explore whether the city can save money by switching from its current provider, the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD). City and state officials weigh an alternative: Flint could build its own pipeline to connect to the Karegnondi Water Authority (KWA). That option was projected to save the region $200 million over 25 years, according to City Council meeting minutes.

Until Flint's pipeline connecting to the KWA is operational, the city needs an interim source of water and turns to the Flint River, which was also its main water source until the 1960s. Flint River water starts flowing to the city on April 25.

Officials did not immediately treat the Flint River water to ensure it didn't cause corrosion in the pipes - instead, they took a "wait-and-see" approach.

Some Flint residents complain about the smell and color of the new water, which is 70 percent harder than its previous water source.

E. coli and total coliform bacteria are detected in Flint's water, prompting multiple advisories for residents to boil their water.

On October 13, General Motors says it will stop using Flint River water, fearing corrosion in its machines.

In January 2015, Flint is found to be in violation of the Safe Drinking Water Act because of the level of total trihalomethanes, or TTHM, in the water. TTHM are disinfection byproducts that occur when chlorine interacts with organic matter in the water. Some types are possible carcinogens for humans.

In Feburary 25, tests show high lead levels In homes.

In April, State Agency notifies EPA that Flint did not implement corrosion controls.

In September 24, study finds elevated lead levels in children.

In October 16, Flint switch back to Detroit Water Supply.

The city was taken off the Detroit water system to save money.