<P> The Flint water crisis began in 2014 when the drinking water source for the city of Flint , Michigan was changed to the Flint River . Due to insufficient water treatment , over 100,000 residents were potentially exposed to high levels of lead in the drinking water . After a pair of scientific studies proved lead contamination was present in the water supply , a federal state of emergency was declared in January 2016 and Flint residents were instructed to use only bottled or filtered water for drinking , cooking , cleaning , and bathing . As of early 2017 , the water quality had returned to acceptable levels ; however , residents were instructed to continue to use bottled or filtered water until all the lead pipes have been replaced , which is expected to be completed no sooner than 2020 . </P>
<P> The Flint water crisis began in 2014 when the drinking water source for the city of Flint , Michigan was changed to the Flint River . Due to insufficient water treatment , over 100,000 residents were potentially exposed to high levels of lead in the drinking water . After a pair of scientific studies proved lead contamination was present in the water supply , a federal state of emergency was declared in January 2016 and Flint residents were instructed to use only bottled or filtered water for drinking , cooking , cleaning , and bathing . As of early 2017 , the water quality had returned to acceptable levels ; however , residents were instructed to continue to use bottled or filtered water until all the lead pipes have been replaced , which is expected to be completed no sooner than 2020 . </P>
when did flint michigan 's water become contaminated
when did flint michigan 's water become contaminated
2014
2014