A Timeline of the Water Crisis in Flint, Michigan

A look at some of the key events in the development of the Flint water crisis.
A Timeline of the Water Crisis in Flint, Michigan
Flint resident Charles Chatmon carries a free water filter and case of water away from a fire station where members of the Michigan National Guard helped distribute supplies to aid in the city's water crisis, in Flint, Mich., on Jan. 13, 2016. Flint's tap water became contaminated with too much lead after the city switched its water supply in 2014 to save money while under state financial management. Jake May/The Flint Journal-MLive.com via AP
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A look at some of the key events in the development of the Flint water crisis:

APRIL 2014: In an effort to save money, Flint begins drawing its water from the Flint River instead of relying on water from Detroit. The move is considered temporary while the city waits to connect to a new regional water system. Residents immediately complain about the smell, taste and appearance of the water. They also raise health concerns, reporting rashes, hair loss and other problems.

SUMMER 2014: Three boil-water advisories are issued in 22 days after positive tests for coliform bacteria.

OCTOBER 2014: A General Motors engine plant stops using Flint water, saying it rusts parts.

JANUARY 2015: Flint seeks an evaluation of its efforts to improve the water amid concerns that it contains potentially harmful levels of a disinfection byproduct. Detroit offers to reconnect Flint to its water system. Flint insists its water is safe.

JAN. 28: Flint residents snap up 200 cases of bottled water in 30 minutes in a giveaway program. More giveaways will follow in ensuing months.

FEB. 3: State officials pledge $2 million for Flint’s troubled water system.

FEBRUARY: A 40-member advisory committee is formed to address concerns over Flint’s water. Mayor Dayne Walling says the committee will ensure the community is involved in the issue.

MARCH 19: Flint promises to spend $2.24 million on immediate improvements to its water supply.

MARCH 27: Flint officials say the quality of its water has improved and that testing finds the water meets all state and federal standards for safety.