Persisting lead poisoning issues portray the unjust power of corporate greed
By: Matthew Gavidia
March 25, 2019
Lead poisoning is a potentially fatal issue intensifying in various communities throughout the United States. The continued use of decaying lead water pipes for the distribution of water from main sources creates an inescapable danger for affected areas. As water service industries seek to maintain profit in lieu of these growing concerns, it has led to delayed actions that culminate in grand scale catastrophes like that seen in Flint, Michigan.
Houses that were built before the 1930’s primarily used lead pipes for their water supply which increases the potential danger for all low-income areas that have remained untouched. Moreover, these pipes increase the bioaccumulation of lead which can prove deadly over time. The Water Research Center stresses that “there is NO safe level for lead exposure” and that the exposure to lead can persist in a “child’s blood for months” and in their “bones for many decades.”
New Jersey’s Bergen and Hudson counties are the latest case of lead poisoning mishandling as their water distributor, Suez Water Technologies & Solutions, was alerted to the situation by 16 homes that were experiencing elevated levels of lead in their water. In the time elapsed from the initial story on January 18th, Suez continued to evaluate their water supply and subsequently sent out notices about the issue on February 15. The water company announced recently on March 21 that they plan to remove 25 percent of affected lead pipes this year in both these counties to reduce high lead levels.
These developments are crucial to understand from an affected household’s point of view as the relative inaction by Suez is concerning when attributed to lead’s deadly effects on humans. However, Suez’s action in replacing 25 percent of these pipes should be applauded nonetheless as often residents are left in the difficult situation of replacing it themselves.
A recent proposition in Michigan known as the Lead and Copper Rule showcases the fruition of these fears, as it allows water utilities to partially replace damaged lead water pipes with copper ones. Of the pipes being repaired, solely those that connect to each house that pays for these repairs will be catered to. This proposal stems from a water company’s unwilling nature to pay for these necessary repairs to the main lead pipes. As the NRDC explains, “the only way to remove this source of lead contamination is to completely remove lead pipes from the ground.”
Furthermore, these partial replacements not only fail to fix the main issue deriving from the main pipes, but in fact put these homes at a greater danger. The combination of copper and lead creates a galvanic corrosion that further corrodes the main lead pipes. Michigan’s solution essentially charges their affected residents for repairs that further contaminates their water supply.
To solve these issues, water service industries must undertake a complete upheaval of all lead water pipes that poison main water sources. By taking initiative in replacing these affected pipes, water industries can reduce the likelihood of lead poisoning and create a safer environment for children to grow.
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