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
- City Hall: Milwaukee Sees 250% Surge in Lead Lateral Replacements, But It Needs More - Jeramey Jannene - Mar 20th, 2025
- City of Milwaukee Health Department and MPS Provide Updates on Lead Safety Efforts - City of Milwaukee Health Department - Mar 19th, 2025
- MPS Closing Three More Schools Due To Lead Hazards - Jeramey Jannene - Mar 13th, 2025
- MPS Will Reopen School Shuttered Because of Lead Dust - Jeramey Jannene - Mar 12th, 2025
- Trowbridge Street School Won’t Reopen Monday, to Allow More Time for Deep Cleaning of Lead Dust - Milwaukee Public Schools - Mar 7th, 2025
- Health Department Will Investigate 10 More Schools For Lead Issues - Jeramey Jannene - Mar 7th, 2025
- MKE County: County Expands Lead Abatement For Low-Income Homes - Graham Kilmer - Mar 1st, 2025
- Health Department Shutters MPS School Over Lead Concerns - Jeramey Jannene - Feb 28th, 2025
- Health Department May Shut Down Some Milwaukee Schools With High Lead Levels - Evan Casey - Feb 24th, 2025
- Alderwoman Coggs introduces file to discuss MPS lead exposure issues - Ald. Milele Coggs - Feb 20th, 2025
Read more about Lead Crisis here
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Ald. Milele Coggs
TEMPO recognizes importance of mentorship during 35th annual Mentor Awards
Feb 27th, 2025 by Ald. Milele CoggsStatement of Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs - February 27, 2025
