Flint charges include failing to treat water

Two state employees facing charges related to the Flint water crisis in Michigan are accused of refusing to order chemical treatment that could have prevented the release of lead in old plumbing.

The charges filed against Stephen Busch and Michael Prysby, who work at the state Department of Environmental Quality, include misdemeanour violations of Michigan's safe drinking water law.

Corrosion control was not added to water from the Flint River while the city used it for 18 months.

That lack of treatment caused lead to leach from pipes as water flowed into homes and businesses.

Busch and Prysby also face felony charges.

While under state management, Flint switched water sources to save money while it awaited construction of a new pipeline to Lake Huron.

Blood tests have revealed high lead levels in children.