Michigan Governor Asks President To Declare Flint Water Crisis A Disaster

04:51

January 15, 2016

Tonya Burns attends a rally in Lansing, Michigan on January 14. 2016. She wants to see Governor Snyder arrested for criminal negligence. (Lindsey Smith)

The water crisis continues in Flint, Michigan where the water is undrinkable due to high levels of lead. Flint switched water sources two years ago to save money and the state has since been accused of misguiding the city on how to treat the water and ignoring signs of high levels of lead exposure to the city's children.

The state is also looking into whether an outbreak of Legionnaire's disease in Flint, causing 10 deaths, is due to the contaminated water.

Flint residents are calling for the resignation of Michigan Governor Rick Snyder. Meanwhile, late last night, Snyder asked President Obama for an emergency and disaster declaration, in hopes the government will help pay to improve Flint's water pipes.

Lindsey Smith of Here & Now contributor Michigan Radio gives us an overview of the Flint crisis.

Reporter

Lindsey Smith, reporter for Michigan Radio. She tweets @lzsmitty.

This segment aired on January 15, 2016.