Legislation mandates lead water lines replacement at child care facilities

Legislation requiring the replacement of lead water service lines serving child care facilities was recommended for approval today by the Public Safety and Health Committee.

This mandate applies to both publicly-owned and privately-owned portions of lead service lines. The resolution further provides that the city shall pay the full cost of replacing the privately-owned portions of lead water service lines serving child care facilities.

Infants and young children are among those at greatest risk of adverse health impacts from exposure to lead, with childhood lead exposure being known to cause damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, and hearing and speech problems, according to lead sponsor Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs.

“Because of the significant risks to public health and safety posed by the continued use of lead service lines at child care facilities we need to ensure all facilities, even those with privately-owned lead water service lines, get remediated,” said Alderwoman Coggs. “This is one step to ensure protection of our most vulnerable population, children.”

Co-sponsors of the legislation are Aldermen Russell Stamper, José Pérez, Michael Murphy and Bob Donovan.

The legislation (file #171665) will now go before the full Common Council when it meets at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 8 in the Common Council Chamber (third floor) at City Hall, 200 E. Wells St.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.