Tribune: EPA warns modernizing water system may boost levels of lead
The Chicago Tribune ran a front page story yesterday titled “EPA warns modernizing water system may boost levels of lead.” According to the story, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found dangerous levels of lead in Chicago homes where pipes made of the toxic metal were disturbed by street work or plumbing repairs. Lead service lines were installed by the City of Chicago across the city until the mid-1980s to connect water mains with homes – the EPA found that spikes of lead can leach into tap water when those pipes are altered by water main replacements, meter installations or street work. With all the water main projects going on in the City, and particularly Edgewater (such as the current Sheridan Road project, and others), the timing of this news is alarming. According to the article:
“Most homeowners likely are unaware they could be drinking tainted water. Under federal rules, utilities rarely are required to warn residents that work is being done or tell them they can take steps to reduce their exposure to lead. A potent neurotoxin, lead can damage the brains of young children, lower IQ and trigger learning disabilities, aggression and criminal behavior later in life. Lead is so hazardous that the EPA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say there is no safe level of exposure. The metal has been phased out of gasoline, removed from paint and banned in children’s toys. But the widespread use of lead pipes during the last century has left a festering problem nationwide.”
In response, Alderman Osterman’s office yesterday posted a notice on Facebook, indicating that he had asked the Department of Water Management to sample the water in areas impacted by water main projects to ensure that there has not been an increase in lead levels. In addition, the 48th Ward Office posted these tips from the DWM and EPA for concerned residents:
From the DWM: “After your old water main has been replaced and you have been connected to your new water main, please open all your water faucets and hose taps and flush your water for 3 to 5 minutes. Sediment and metals can collect in the aerator screen located at the tip of your faucets. These screens should be removed prior to flushing. This flushing will help maintain optimum water quality by removing sediment, rust, or any lead particulates that may have come loose from your property’s water service line as a result of the water main replacement. If you have any questions or concerns about your water quality, you can call us at 312-744-8190.” Our office will be in communication with residents once your water is shut off and turned back on.
From the EPA:
• Have your water tested. Many public water systems will test drinking water for residents upon request. Chicago residents can call 311 for information. You can also check the State of Illinois’ drinking water website Exit EPA Disclaimer for a list of laboratories certified to analyze for lead.
• Run water before use if it has not been used for several hours. The amount of time to run the water will depend on whether the home has a lead service line or not.
• Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula.
• Purchase a water filter that is certified to remove “total lead.”
• On a regular basis clean and remove any debris from faucet aerators to clear out any particles of lead that may become trapped in the aerator.
• Purchase lead-free faucets and plumbing components.
• Remove the entire lead service line.
If you would like a lead analysis of your tap water, you can schedule a testing by notifying the Department of Water Management by calling 311.
