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Shocking levels of toxic lead in Chicago tap water
Perhaps you’ve read the recent article in The Guardian regarding the shocking levels of lead found in Chicago’s drinking water. The article was based on data from results of water tests conducted for Chicago residents between 2016 and 2021. And while much of the data has been publicly available for years, Chicago itself has never released an analysis of the results.
A Look at the Real Cost of Removing Lead Service Lines
To get this conversation off the ground, and with funding from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Safe Water Engineering prepared a white paper, Deconstructing the Cost of Lead Service Line Replacement, to describe and quantify the cost of bold, large scale lead service line replacement (LSLR) programs that include resident-focused outreach and risk mitigation activities.
Independent Verification and Validation of the Lead Free DC Lead Service Line Removal Plan
Safe Water Engineering, LLC completed a third-party assessment of DC Water’s Lead Free DC Lead Service Line Replacement Plan (LFDC Plan) to ensure that, as proposed, the plan will achieve both DC Water and the District’s lead water service line replacement goals, including the removal and replacement of all lead water service lines by 2030, prioritization of vulnerable populations in any prioritization model, and fiscal responsibility.
National Funding for Lead Service Line Replacement Is Essential for States with Highest Number of Lead Pipes
Kudos to NRDC and Politico for drawing attention to the fact that current, much-needed lead service line replacement funding allocations aren’t targeted to states that need it most. Inside EPA has also been covering these concerns. The historic $15 billion for lead service line replacement may not go as far as it could if not allocated effectively.
AWWA Standard Available to Assist Communities in Lead Service Line Removal
Water utilities across Michigan are ramping up lead service line replacement work this year to comply with the Michigan Lead and Copper Rule requirement to begin replacing lead service lines at an average of 5% per year starting in 2021.
The American Water Works Association prepared a standard for replacing and flushing lead service lines to identify best practices and guide water utilities through the process.
