Council approves legislation concerning the Milwaukee Health Department’s lead reporting processes and water filter distribution plans
"The health, safety and well-being of Milwaukee’s residents are our highest priorities, especially concerning our children."
The Common Council approved two resolutions on January 14, 2019 directing the Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) to put processes in place concerning addressing on elevated blood-lead levels, and also developing a plan to distribute water filters to residents at risk for exposure to lead in their drinking and cooking water.
Both resolutions – Council Files #181216 and #181218 – were introduced by Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs and approved unanimously by the Common Council. Alderman Ashanti Hamilton, Alderman Cavalier Johnson, Alderman Khalif J. Rainey, Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II, Alderwoman Chantia Lewis and Alderman José G. Pérez cosponsored the legislation.
[inarticled]File #181216 directs the MHD Commissioner to establish a defined process to address cases of elevated lead levels in children as detected in blood tests. File #181218 directs the Health Commissioner, in collaboration with the Milwaukee Water Works, to develop a water filter distribution plan for residents at risk of exposure to lead in their drinking water.
“The health, safety and well-being of Milwaukee’s residents are our highest priorities, especially concerning our children,” said Ald. Coggs. “The Council must know how our children are being exposed to lead hazards in their environment so we can establish a specific process to address cases of elevated blood levels swiftly and effectively.”
“We know that installing and correctly using certified water filters is the best way to minimize lead in our drinking water,” continued Ald. Coggs. “This legislation directs our health and water officials to develop a plan to use this effective tool the best way we can.”
The MHD Commissioner is required to report back to the Council on both plans/processes by March 31, 2019.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
More about the Lead Crisis
- More Milwaukee Schools Getting Tested for High Lead Levels - Evan Casey - Feb 15th, 2025
- Milwaukee Health Department Conducts Follow-Up Lead Hazard Assessment at MPS’s Golda Meir Lower Campus - Milwaukee Public Schools - Feb 14th, 2025
- Dangerous Levels of Lead Contamination Found At Three MPS Schools - Jeramey Jannene and Sophie Bolich - Feb 6th, 2025
- As Previewed in 2025 State of the State Address, Gov. Evers Approves DHS Emergency Rule to Strengthen Standards to Prevent Further Hazardous Lead Exposure to Wisconsin Kids - Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Feb 3rd, 2025
- Wisconsin Joins Legal Effort to Preserve Tougher Standards for Lead in Water - Erik Gunn - Feb 3rd, 2025
- Attorney General Kaul Joins Multistate Coalition to Defend Lead and Copper Rule Improvements - Wisconsin Department of Justice - Jan 29th, 2025
- Superintendent Jill Underly Proposes Lead Water Removal Program For Schools - Baylor Spears - Nov 15th, 2024
- Milwaukee Adopts New Policy Requesting More Lead Testing For Children - Nick Rommel - Oct 24th, 2024
- EPA Strengthens Standards to Protect Children from Exposure to Lead Paint Dust - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Oct 24th, 2024
- Baldwin Announces $86 Million for Clean and Safe Drinking Water in Wisconsin Through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law - U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin - Oct 23rd, 2024
Read more about Lead Crisis here
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