Lead Pipes

By: Staci Sweet

Problem: The EPA site states that homes built before 1986 are likely to have lead pipes and fixtures⁵; which means the water supply is likely to have lead contamination.  Since more than 85% of the homes built in the Fair Park Corridor were built between 1939 and 1970, one can conclude that of the 36,077 citizens currently residing there, that at least 30% or 10,824 individuals have been exposed to lead contaminants by merely drinking water out of a lead pipe faucet. 

The health effects of lead to the population vary.  These individuals can suffer from delays in their learning capabilities to health risks such as high blood pressure.  Though high blood pressure has been attributed to poor diet, it may be safe to assume that with the large consumption of lead-based materials used in the mere construction of the homes, both diet and housing are now attributing to the health and learning capacities within the community.

Solution:

Pass legislation mandating property owners to supply tenants with water filtration systems OR require property owners to provide rental discounts to the tenants who purchase water filtration systems.