Churches in Michigan are extending a help hand to some 100,000 residents of the city of Flint who are experiencing a severe crisis following the contamination of their water supply.

Church workers are distributing bottled water to residents, joining other people from various organisations that have been providing much needed assistance.

According to CBN, the water problem began in 2014 when Flint switched its water source from Lake Huron to Flint River to save money but ended up corroding aging pipes and contaminating water with lead.

A paediatrician in Flint later found high levels of lead in children's blood.

Michigan's Republican Gov. Rick Snyder has apologised for the environmental disaster.

"I want the Flint community to know how very sorry I am that this has happened. And I want all Michigan citizens to know that we will learn from this experience, because Flint is not the only city that has an aging infrastructure," he said.

He added, "I know many Flint citizens are angry and want more than an apology. That's why I'm taking the actions today to ensure a culture of openness and trust. We've already allocated $10 million to test the water, distribute water filters, and help in other ways."

In Flint, the United Church of Christ and the Disciples of Christ are working together to distribute clean water, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Jewish and Muslim organisations in Michigan are also helping. Islamic groups such as Who is Hussain and Life for Relief and Development in Southfield have distributed bottled waters along with Islamic Relief USA and Michigan Muslim Community Council.

The Flint Jewish Federation is also coordinating with the Red Cross in providing clean water to homes.

Pastor Eric Bogan of Harris Memorial Church in Flint quoted Matthew 25:45 to explain why his church is helping:" "Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty and did not help you? He will reply, whatever you did not do for the least of these, you did not do for me."

St. John's Church is also collecting water bottles from its parishioners.

Pastors of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), one of the biggest African-American Christian denominations, is likewise helping by distributing bottled water and water filters, replacement cartridges and water test kits.

"Water is a basic human right and necessity," Bogan said.