Following Commissioner Resignation, New Lead Testing In Chicago

Chicago is ramping up its efforts to combat lead poisoning.

“A top official at the Chicago Department of Public Health revealed the new program [in April] during a presentation to lawyers, physicians, researchers and advocates debating how to address the city's lingering problems with lead poisoning, which continues to ravage children in poor, predominantly African-American neighborhoods on the South and West sides at rates significantly higher than the national average,” the Chicago Tribune reported.

The initiative marks a policy change in Chicago, according to the Tribune. City officials have traditionally told residents that delivering water through lead pipes is not a major threat to their drinking water.

Cort Lohff, the city health department's director of environmental health, weighed in.

"We recognize the water in Chicago is generally safe, but to reassure people I think drawing more samples would be very helpful," Lohff said, per the report. "If we find elevated levels, we can work with the water department to mitigate the problem."

Now observers want to know: Is this new initiative related to a staff shakeup in city government?

Following the announcement that Chicago “is preparing a water testing program to determine whether the city's pipes are partly responsible for problems with lead poisoning, Water Management commissioner Tom Powers has announced his resignation. Powers has so far served as Mayor Rahm Emanuel's sole Water Management commissioner, and he will be replaced by Barrett Murphy — a deputy who has worked for the city since his appointment by former Mayor Richard Daley,” Chicagoist reported.

Studies have already documented dangerous lead levels in some Chicago homes.

"Dangerous levels of lead are turning up in Chicago homes where pipes made of the toxic metal were disturbed by street work or plumbing repairs, according to a new federal study that suggests the city's aggressive efforts to modernize its water system may pose health risks," the Chicago Tribune reported two years ago.

According to a study by the U.S. EPA, the lead in Chicago's water infrastructure may seep into the drinking supplies when the pipes are altered.

Nevertheless, Mayor Emanuel was positive about Powers’ tenure in city government in an announcement.

“Over the last five years, Tom has overseen an historic investment in Chicago’s infrastructure that has helped to build a better Chicago, and I thank him for his service to the City,” Emanuel said. “Moving forward, Barrett Murphy’s vast knowledge of and experience within the Department make him the best choice for the job as we continue to implement our 10-year Capital Improvement Program.”

For more lead contamination coverage, visit Water Online’s Drinking Water Contaminant Removal Solutions Center.