Michigan officials charged over Flint water crisis

Two are accused of blocking treatment that could have prevented the release of lead

A youth rinses his toothbrush with bottled water in Flint, Michigan. Photograph: Brittany Greeson/The New York Times

Two state employees will face charges related to the Flint water crisis in Michigan.

The two are accused of refusing to order chemical treatment that could have prevented the release of lead in old plumbing.

The charges filed against Stephen Busch and Michael Prysby, who work at the state department of environmental quality, include misdemeanour violations of Michigan's safe drinking water law.

Corrosion control

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The crisis was caused when corrosion control was not added to water from the Flint River while the city used it for 18 months.

That lack of treatment caused lead to leach from pipes as water flowed into homes and businesses.

Busch and Prysby also face felony charges.

While under state management, Flint switched water sources to save money while it awaited construction of a new pipeline to Lake Huron.

Blood tests have revealed high lead levels in the city’s children.

PA