In April 2014, Flint, Michigan, made a significant decision to switch its water source from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, which sourced water from Lake Huron, to the Flint River. This shift was part of a broader effort to save money in light of the city's financial crisis. Unfortunately, the Flint River water, which was not treated correctly, caused lead from aging pipes to leach into the drinking water supply. This misconduct escalated into one of the most significant public health crises in American history, as residents began showing symptoms of lead poisoning and other health issues. Approximately 12,000 residents were affected by lead poisoning, and the severe impacts on the community's health led to major public outcry and scrutiny of local government officials.

Compounding the crisis was an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia that was attributed to the water source switch. At least 12 deaths were linked to this outbreak, intensifying local and national outrage over the city's handling of the situation. Investigations were launched, leading to criminal indictments against various officials, including charges of involuntary manslaughter against several individuals. The fallout from the Flint water crisis revealed severe lapses in governmental responsibility and public safety protocols, leading to a reevaluation of infrastructure and regulatory oversight across the United States.