CHICAGO – With the rise of lead contamination found in drinking water throughout Chicago putting children and families at risk, state Rep. Mary Flowers, D-Chicago, is calling a hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 24 in Chicago to determine the causes and take steps to prevent additional contamination.
“It is unconscionable that drinking water in Chicago still contains dangerous levels of lead,” Flowers said. “This puts many in harm’s way through no fault of their own, and it is shameful that lead contamination continues to threaten our children and families across our city. Chicago must do better.”
At the hearing, Flowers and members of the House Health Care Availability & Accessibility Committee will work to ascertain how and why the water supply in the city’s neighborhoods, especially its South and West sides where more African-American families reside, contains some degree of lead poisoning.
Following a shocking discovery of lead contamination in homes this summer, the city of Chicago suspended additional installations of water meters. Seven percent of metered homes were found to have lead in their water that exceeds federal safety limits. Flowers is encouraging residents to call 311, or visit www.chicagowaterquality.org/home, to access free water testing kits and filters.
“Our children deserve better than this, I will work to hold those responsible for this insulting reality accountable,” Flowers said. “Our drinking water must be safe and pure from any pollutant, and I look forward to the facts from this upcoming hearing.”
Who: State Rep. Mary Flowers and members of the House Health Care Availability & Accessibility Committee
What: Hearing on High Lead Levels in Chicago Water
When: Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 1 p.m.
Where: Michael A. Bilandic Building, 6th floor
160 N. LaSalle, Chicago
Rep. Mary E. Flowers
(D-Chicago)
31st District
Springfield Office:
251-E Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-4207
(217) 782-1130 FAX
District Office:
2525 W. 79th Street
Chicago, IL 60652
(773) 471-5200
(773) 471-1036 FAX