Don’t drink the water-there might be lead in it. Last summer, tests of D.C.’s water supply indicated that the lead concentration in thousands of homes exceeded federal levels. While this alone would not be a huge problem-steps can be taken to lower lead levels-the District’s response to the problem warrants concern.
Officials at the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority were repeatedly warned of the high concentration of lead, but they failed to act promptly to inform residents of the problem or take corrective measures.
The Authority has admitted that it did not do enough to keep its customers informed of lead contamination. Nearly two-thirds of homes tested last summer had lead levels exceeding Environment Protection Agency regulations, but WASA did not send out notifications of the results until November. Lead in drinking water is a serious issue, as the heavy metal can cause damage to the brain, central nervous system, kidneys and other organs.
Moreover, the Washington Post reported that the Authority has known about this problem for years. When Seema S. Bhat, the WASA water quality manager from 1999 until last year, discovered the elevated lead concentrations, she brought the problem to her supervisor. But when WASA officials repeatedly shrugged off her concerns, she notified EPA officials of the lead contamination.
Bhat contends that when she turned to the EPA after water authority officials continually ignored the lead problem, they made the decision to fire her. A federal investigation ruled that Bhat should be rehired, and be paid damages for her improper termination. WASA has objected and the case has now gone to court.
The Authority has since taken some steps to reduce the lead concentration in the water, but at this point many see these steps as too little, too late. The authority reports spending $3 million to replace some 400 lead pipes, but over 23,000 lead service lines remain in the system.
A city’s water supply is such a vital resource that any concerns over its safety should be taken very seriously. The fact that WASA repeatedly ignored the lead issue is alarming. Who needs terrorists to taint the water supply when the city’s own negligence can suffice?
Add to all of this the firing of someone who tried to bring attention to the problem, and the results are not pretty. As Bhat’s attorney told the Washington Post, WASA officials “either were lying about when they knew of the problem or they were just flat not paying attention.”
