Final answer:
The Flint water crisis was caused by cost-saving decisions made by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, resulting in the switch to corrosive Flint River water that leached lead from old pipes and created a public health disaster.
Step-by-step explanation:
The issue with Flint's water quality did not originate from the water treatment plant itself, but rather from decisions made by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
In 2014, under a state-appointed emergency financial management, Flint switched from Detroit's treated water to the Flint River as a cost-saving measure.
The river water was corrosive and not treated properly to prevent lead from the old pipes from leaching into the water supply.
This resulted in elevated levels of lead in the water, leading to a public health crisis.
The crisis in Flint is an example of what happens when environmental justice is not considered, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.