Bernie Sanders

Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has called on Gov. Rick Snyder to resign over the Flint water crisis.

(AP File Photo)

FLINT, MI - Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has called for Gov. Rick Snyder to resign over the Flint water crisis.

Flint residents call for Gov. Snyder's resignation for Flint Water Crisis 12 Gallery: Flint residents call for Gov. Snyder's resignation for Flint Water Crisis

"There are no excuses. The governor long ago knew about the lead in Flint's water. He did nothing. As a result, hundreds of children were poisoned. Thousands may have been exposed to potential brain damage from lead. Gov. Snyder should resign," said Sanders in a statement on his website.

The statement points towards problems with the city's public water system dating back to two years ago when "a receiver, appointed by the governor, who decided to cut costs by drawing the city's drinking water from the polluted Flint River instead of Lake Huron."

The city switched its water source to the Flint River in April 2014, but the source has been switched back to Detroit after elevated lead levels were found in tests.

"Because of the conduct by Gov. Snyder's administration and his refusal to take responsibility, families will suffer from lead poisoning for the rest of their lives. Children in Flint will be plagued with brain damage and other health problems. The people of Flint deserve more than an apology," said Sanders.

Dave Murray, press secretary for the governor's office, said in statement that "Political statements, and finger pointing from political candidates not involved in finding solutions for Flint, only serve to distract from solving this crisis."

Snyder declared a state of emergency for Genesee County Jan. 5 and announced Jan. 14 that he's asked President Barack Obama to declare a federal emergency in response to the water crisis, which makes way for federal assistance.

Water resource teams have been going around neighborhoods in the city with bottled water, filters, replacement cartridges and test kits, as well as resources sites at five fire stations. Those efforts were being ramped up on Saturday, with more than 20 teams set to distribute water resources door-to-door in Flint, according to the state Joint Information Center.

But several voices have continued calling on accountability from Snyder, including Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton who recently called the situation in Flint "unconscionable."

Flint native and filmmaker Michael Moore has planned an appearance at 4 p.m. Saturday outside Flint City Hall to discuss the water crisis.