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
- Baldwin Delivers $850,000 to Reduce Lead in Schools and Childcare Facilities Throughout Wisconsin - U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin - Aug 29th, 2024
- Baldwin Delivers Over $83 Million to Replace Lead Pipes, Expand Access to Safe Drinking Water - U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin - May 2nd, 2024
- Congresswoman Gwen Moore Statement on Milwaukee Designation as Workforce Hub - U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore - Apr 26th, 2024
- Biden Announces Milwaukee As New “Workforce Hub” For Lead Pipe Removal - Jeramey Jannene - Apr 25th, 2024
- Senator Baldwin Delivers Nearly $2 Million to Keep Wausau Families Safe from Lead Contamination - U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin - Apr 12th, 2024
- IRS Rules that Homeowners Won’t Have to Pay Additional Taxes for Subsidized Replacement of Lead Pipes - Milwaukee Water Works - Feb 29th, 2024
- Milwaukee Makes It Far Easier To Replace Your Lead Service Line - Jeramey Jannene - Dec 18th, 2023
- Congresswoman Gwen Moore Praises Biden Administration Effort to Remove Lead Pipes in 10 Years - U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore - Nov 30th, 2023
- Biden-Harris Administration Announces Partnership with 10 Wisconsin Communities to Accelerate Lead Service Line Replacement as Part of Investing in America Agenda - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Nov 2nd, 2023
- Evers, DNR Announce $402 Million Funding to Improve Local Drinking Water - Henry Redman - Oct 24th, 2023
Read more about Lead Crisis here
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Ald. Milele Coggs
Bronzeville takes center stage at the DNC
Aug 22nd, 2024 by Ald. Milele CoggsStatement from Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs August 22, 2024