Flint's fateful decision to sever its ties with the City of Detroit as its supplier of drinking water went all the way up to the Michigan governor's office,

Actual Events

February 2004: A technical assessment of the Flint River raises major concerns about Flint River as a viable source of drinking water.

November 8, 2011 - Former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder approved a state takeover of Flint, Michigan. Governor Snyder names Michael K. Brown, a former mayor of Flint, as the emergency financial manager for the city.

Flint officials explore whether the city can save money by switching from its current provider, the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD).

City and state officials weigh an alternative: Flint could build its own pipeline to connect to the Karegnondi Water Authority (KWA). That option was projected to save the region $200 million over 25 years, according to City Council meeting minutes.

Early 2014
Flint received a notice from the Detroit Water and Sewage Department that their water supply would be shut off before they completed a pipeline to the Karegnondi Water Authority. Flint needed a temporary water supply and decided to rely on the Flint River.

Sources:

https://www.aquasana.com/info/a-comprehensive-timeline-of-the-lead-crisis-in-flint-michigan-pd.html

https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/04/20/465545378/lead-laced-water-in-flint-a-step-by-step-look-at-the-makings-of-a-crisis

https://www.bridgemi.com/truth-squad-companion/disaster-day-day-detailed-flint-crisis-timeline