Chicago Officials Blamed For Lead Contaminated Drinking Water

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Feb. 22, 2016 - PRLog -- In a lawsuit filed by Chicago citizens, the Chicago officials have been blamed for higher levels of lead contamination in the drinking water. It is said in the lawsuit that over hundred years old lead pipes are causing this contamination; and hence, immediate removal is crucial.

A 2013 EPA study was quoted by Chicago Tribune in this regard, which states that lead level in drinking water arose due to construction work which unsettled the lead water pipelines in the city. However, Construction Company representatives didn’t care to warn citizens about the incident.

It is also said in EPA report that changing water system might expose water to the poisoning caused by toxic metals. However, city officials have denied the existence of contamination after analyzing the report.

Chicago water management department told The Guardian, “While we have not yet reviewed the lawsuit, Chicago’s water is safe and exceeds federal, state and industry standards. The department of water management provides the cleanest, best tasting water possible; aggressive programs that protect our water supply from lead and thorough testing methods allow us to continually achieve this goal”.

It is alleged in the lawsuit that people of Chicago are at the risk of drinking poisoned water due to carelessness from city’s officials. According to The Guardian, three complainants have demanded fee for testing to be paid by officials.

Filing of this lawsuit clearly shows fear of contamination of lead in water. With inability to maintain water system in Chicago, officials are blamed for the risk that Chicago residents are facing. However, officials have decided to go for chemical treatment of water in order to remove lead contamination from it. They are still not opting for replacement of water pipes.

According to the tribune, Chicago failed to comply with the new rules in 1986 when US government banned the use of lead pipes for water supply after learning about lead’s threat to water safety. Currently, lead pipes occupy 80 percent of the water piping structure in Chicago. That is certainly alarming.

According to regulations set by federal government, utilities in Chicago area are required to get water samples from at least 50 homes. Sample water should be the very first water drawn in the homes. Nevertheless, EPA report states that lead contamination continues to exist in the most part of the day.

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