D.C. Water Utility Increases Funding to Replace Lead Pipes
Source The Associated Press
In the wake of a public outcry for change, the people who supply drinking water in the District of Columbia are promising to do more to solve the problem of lead contamination.
The D.C. Water and Sewer Authority (WASA) is increasing the amount budgeted for lead water line replacement by $7 million, an increase of more than 50 percent in the number of service lines due for replacement this year.
WASA is also launching an effort to test the water quality at all public schools in the city. A similar effort to test water at private schools also is pending.
WASA recommends customers flush their systems by allowing the taps to run before consuming the water. The utility also is working with the D.C. Department of Health to provide lead testing of pregnant women, small children, and other high risk individuals.
The D.C. Water and Sewer Authority is offering free tests to residents whose homes have lead pipes, and it plans to retest homes with the highest lead readings.
Source: The Associated Press