A state investigation was launched on Friday to explore the man-made water crisis in Flint, Michigan, just one day after Gov. Rick Snyder turned to the federal government for help in dealing with the fiasco.

The Republican governor is under fire for his handling of a water crisis that has exposed the entire Flint community to toxic levels of lead.

The drinking water in Flint -- a municipality that is 56 percent black and one of the poorest cities in the nation -- first became contaminated with lead shortly after officials decided to start using the Flint River as a water supply in April 2014 to save money, reported The New York Times. That's when community members began complaining that their tap water had a nasty smell and taste and caused rashes.

For months, state officials brushed off their complaints, telling them that the water was safe to use for bathing and cooking. However, an independent research study conducted in Feb. 2015 discovered elevated levels of toxic lead in children's blood, which can cause irreversible behavior problems and learning disabilities.

Months later, Gov. Snyder decided to switch the water supply from the Flint River back to Lake Huron in October. He has also been distributing free water filters to residents as a way to deal with their poisoned drinking water.

Earlier this month, federal authorities launched an investigation into the water contamination, while Snyder declared the city to be in a state of emergency last week Tuesday.

On Thursday, he sent President Barack Obama a letter requesting an emergency and major disaster declaration amid the ongoing crisis. The Republican governor is also seeking additional federal aid in the effort to provide Flint residents with clean drinking water.

"We are utilizing all state resources to ensure Flint residents have access to clean and safe drinking water and today I am asking President Obama to provide additional resources as our recovery efforts continue," Snyder said in the statement, according to Fox News.

Meanwhile, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette launched an investigation Friday into the Flint water crisis to see whether any laws have been violated.

"In 21st century America, no one should have to fear something as basic as turning on the kitchen faucet," said the top prosecutor in a statement, reports NBC News.

"I look forward to working with federal, state and local officials, community leaders and Flint residents as we seek answers regarding state law and hope through the process we can help restore some of the trust in our government while helping families move forward."

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