Lead poisoning in children can cause permanent neurological damage, sometimes requiring lifelong care. Ten deaths have been recorded from Legionnaires’ disease since the change in water source, although the bacteria that causes the illness hasn’t yet been linked to the contaminated water. Todd Flood, special counsel for the state attorney general’s office who is leading the investigation, warned that negligence could result in criminal charges for public officials. “We’re here to investigate what possible crimes there are, anything [from] involuntary manslaughter or death that may have happened to some young person or old person because of this poisoning, to misconduct in office,” said Flood. “We take this very seriously.”

Related: What Flint officials knew about the poisoned water and when

As Flood and his team continue the investigation, they aim to determine whether public officials are guilty of a “breach of duty” or “gross negligence,” rather than simply a series of “honest mistakes.” What little evidence has already come to light does not look good – such as bottled water being supplied to state building employees, while the government assured the public that the tap water was safe. However, it will be some time before the full investigation is complete.

The city faces a hefty repair bill for the corroded pipes, which are still leaching contaminants into the tap water and rendering it undrinkable. Residents are still forced to pick up daily allowances of bottled water for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Health agencies are conducting free screening of children’s blood for lead poisoning, while many families are already months into caring for those who suffer from symptoms of neurological disorders.

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