Attorney General Bill Schuette

Attorney General Bill Schuette, the 53rd Attorney General for the State of Michigan, pictured in November 2014. (Andraya Croft | MLive.com)

(Andraya Croft | MLive.com)

LANSING, MI -- Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette has announced an investigation of the Flint water crisis.

"In 21st century America, no one should have to fear something as basic as turning on the kitchen faucet," Schuette said in a Jan. 15 prepared statement.

Update: State Dems tell AG: Not so fast on investigation

The investigation is meant to determine what, if any, Michigan laws were violated in the process that resulted in the contamination crisis that is forcing Flint residents to rely on bottled water for drinking and cooking as they fear for their health, Schuette said.

The Attorney General's announcement comes the day after Gov. Rick Snyder asked President Barack Obama to declare a federal emergency over Flint water.

"Without fear or favor, I will carry out my responsibility to enforce the laws meant to protect Michigan families, and represent the citizens of Flint," Schuette said.

"The situation in Flint is a human tragedy in which families are struggling with even the most basic parts of daily life," he said. "While everyone acknowledges that mistakes were made, my duty as attorney general requires that I conduct this investigation."

Schuette said as a parent and a husband he greatly empathizes with the fears of Flint parents and family members, "who are rightly concerned for their health."

"I look forward to working with federal, state and local officials, community leaders and Flint residents as we seek answers regarding state law and hope through the process we can help restore some of the trust in our government while helping families move forward," Schuette said.

"The process for moving forward with the investigation will begin immediately," Schuette said.