The Threat of Lead in Chicago Tap Water

Lead contamination in drinking water remains a pressing concern nationwide, with Chicago emerging as a focal point of this public health crisis. Despite efforts to fix the problem, lead pipes in the city still pose risks to residents, especially young children. 

The Scope of the Problem: Chicago’s Lead Pipe Predicament 

A study in JAMA Pediatrics discovered that in Chicago, approximately 400,000 homes have lead pipes for their tap water. This puts 70% of young children in the city at risk of being exposed to lead.  

This study also shows that marginalized communities, especially Black and Hispanic households in the area, are more affected by lead exposure. However, not enough people are getting tested for lead.  

“One of the more alarming issues is the fact that most people are unaware of the levels of lead and other harmful toxins in their bodies,” said Dr. Paul Savage. “Toxin screenings are a needed first step to see how extensive the toxin exposure has been and identifying the next steps to detoxing effectively.” 

Despite the federal ban on lead water pipes in 1986, the city continues to grapple with widespread lead exposure due to its extensive network of old lead service lines. Chicago is the city with the highest number of lead pipes in the United States, largely because city codes mandated the use of lead for service lines until the ban. 

The Invisible Threat: Challenges in Identifying Lead Exposure 

Exposure to lead, even at low levels, can have devastating consequences for public health, particularly among vulnerable populations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that there is no safe level of lead exposure for children, as it can cause permanent harm to their developing brains and nervous systems. 

Adults are not immune to the dangers of lead either. Prolonged exposure can result in serious health issues, including hypertension, renal impairment, immunotoxicity, and reproductive problems. 

A Call to Action: Urgent Steps Needed to Safeguard Public Health 

In response to the ongoing lead contamination issues, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). These revisions aim to strengthen the original Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) by imposing stricter regulations on water systems to better protect public health, requiring water systems to replace all lead service lines over the next ten years. 

However, the impact of these improvements on Chicago is complex. Due to the sheer number of lead pipes in the city, Chicago would receive an exemption from the immediate replacement requirement under the proposed rule.  

The EPA considers it technically feasible for water systems to replace up to 10,000 lead service lines annually. For Chicago, this means that it could take 40 to 50 years to replace all its lead pipes, leaving generations of residents exposed to potential lead contamination.  

A Call to Action: Urgent Steps Needed to Safeguard Public Health 

In response to the ongoing lead contamination issues, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). These revisions aim to strengthen the original Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) by imposing stricter regulations on water systems to better protect public health, requiring water systems to replace all lead service lines over the next ten years. 

However, the impact of these improvements on Chicago is complex. Due to the sheer number of lead pipes in the city, Chicago would receive an exemption from the immediate replacement requirement under the proposed rule.  

The EPA considers it technically feasible for water systems to replace up to 10,000 lead service lines annually. For Chicago, this means that it could take 40 to 50 years to replace all its lead pipes, leaving generations of residents exposed to potential lead contamination.  

Looking Ahead: Hope Amidst Challenges 

Addressing Chicago’s lead contamination crisis requires urgent and comprehensive action. While the city’s efforts to replace lead pipes are ongoing, the scale of the problem necessitates accelerated measures to protect public health.  

Ensuring access to safe drinking water is a fundamental public health priority, and overcoming this challenge is critical for the well-being of Chicago’s residents.  

Immediate Options to Reduce your Lead Exposure 

Thankfully, it’s not necessary to wait for Chicago’s public officials to solve the problem for the city, there are several options to take right now to reduce lead exposure and the lead in the body. 

• Purchase a counter-top reverse osmosis water purifier for clean drinking water, for both hydrating and cooking. One excellent brand option is the AquaTru by Ideal Living. 
• Install a reverse osmosis water purifier in your home. While this is the more expensive option, it provides clean water for drinking, cooking, showering, and laundry, and prolongs the life of household appliances. 
• Consistently check the labels on canned food, including foods and labels you’ve purchased in the past. Companies are constantly changing their processes which may lead to lead exposure.  
• Sign up for a PlasmaXchange package at the MDLifespan clinic in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago, IL. This new and innovative protocol has been proven to reduce lead levels in the human body by 85% over a 6-month period.