In 2014, the city of Flint, by then under the direct control of the state of Michigan since 2011, in an effort to save money while a new pipeline was under construction, had its water supply switched from that of a treated reservoir to water from the Flint River. Due to a pH difference – the river water being more acidic – the lead solder in the old pipes began to leach out into the water flowing into homes, schools, and businesses throughout the city.