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FBI Joins Investigation Into Flint Water Contamination


Joseph Assignment Volunteers Pack Water for Flint, Michigan, Feb. 2, 2016.
Joseph Assignment Volunteers Pack Water for Flint, Michigan, Feb. 2, 2016.

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation is joining the multi-agency team investigating the contaminated drinking water crisis plaguing the city of Flint, Michigan.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Detroit says it is working with "multi-agency team" including the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Financially strapped Flint was under the control of a state-appointed emergency manager when it switched its source of tap water from Detroit's system to the more corrosive water in the nearby Flint River in April 2014 to save money.

The Flint River water leached lead from the city pipes more than Detroit water did, leading to elevated levels of lead in the water and in the blood of some children.

Flint resumed using Detroit water, which comes from Lake Huron, in October. But some people had reported rashes, hair loss and other problems since the switch to the Flint River water, and many residents are relying on bottled water.

Officials have not said whether criminal or civil charges may follow their investigation.

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