Today, Explained Still not safe to drink
Aug 30, 2019
Karen Yee, a Newark reporter for NJ Advance Media, delves into the alarming water crisis plaguing her city. She discusses the troubling parallels between Newark and Flint, highlighting lead contamination in schools and the broader impacts on public health. Yee outlines the city's plans to replace lead pipes with copper ones in just three years, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Personal stories from residents reveal the emotional toll and the daily struggle for safe drinking water, calling for action and trust within the community.
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Newark Schools' Lead Crisis in 2016
- In 2016, Newark's public schools experienced elevated lead levels in their water, causing alarm and a swift response.
- The district replaced lead plumbing, added filtration systems, and increased water sampling to address the immediate crisis.
Source of Lead in Schools
- The 2016 lead issue in Newark schools stemmed from internal plumbing problems like lead solder, faucets, and fixtures.
- These were replaced, seemingly resolving the issue at the time.
Citywide Lead Contamination in Newark
- Citywide lead level spikes in Newark's water started appearing in 2017 after more frequent testing began.
- There is no safe level of lead consumption, particularly harmful to children and pregnant women.