Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press Lansing Bureau

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced Friday he has opened an investigation into the lead contamination of Flint's drinking water, which has caused a public health crisis and a state request for a federal disaster declaration.

"The purpose of the investigation is to determine what, if any, Michigan laws were violated in the process that resulted in the contamination crisis," Schuette said in a news release.

"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," he said.

Just as Gov. Rick Snyder has been widely criticized for not responding more quickly to the crisis, Schuette has faced criticism for not opening an investigation sooner. Both are Republicans, and Schuette is widely expected to run for governor in 2018. Snyder is term-limited.

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"While office policy generally precludes the confirmation of investigations, in this situation ... the people of Flint and throughout Michigan are rightly concerned and worried about this situation."

Flint's drinking water became contaminated with lead in 2014 after the city, while under the control of a state-appointed emergency manager, switched its drinking water supply from Lake Huron water treated in Detroit to water from the Flint River, treated at the Flint water treatment plant. The state Department of Environmental Quality failed to require needed corrosion control chemicals to be added to the drinking water, and lead leached from pipes and fixtures into the water. The state largely ignored local complaints about the quality of the water until acknowledging a problem in October.

Lead causes permanent brain damage in children and the state is also investigating a possible link between the water switch and two outbreaks of Legionnaire's disease in the Flint area, which have resulted in 10 fatalities.

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Snyder declared a state of emergency Jan. 5, mobilized the Michigan National Guard this week to help with distribution of bottled water and water filters, and late Thursday asked President Barack Obama for a federal disaster declaration.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Detroit, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and a task force appointed by Snyder are also investigating.

Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com