newark new jersey — The state Department of Environmental Protection has launched an investigation into what it calls improper replacement of lead water pipes in Newark.
The news comes after Mayor Ras Baraka was caught using an open mic during a closed-door meeting where he told City Council members about a joint audit that found lead in some city water pipes. It was done.
newark Acquired national recognition for efforts to address the lead water problembut now the mayor says some of the work wasn't done properly.
Fear of what's in the water is now consuming one resident.
“We all thought there was no more lead. We still have to use filters on our water. We don't want to take any risks,” the resident said.
She is one of many Ridge Street residents who had lead water pipes replaced three years ago to meet the state's strict standards.
“They replaced the pipes and did some careful work, but they left a hole behind the wall, which is now letting water into our house,” she said. I did.
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At a news conference Tuesday after the open mic incident, Baraka and the state DEP revealed that in January, the city found traces of lead in the water supplies of several Newark homes.
This comes after approximately 23,000 service lines were replaced by contractors.
“Right now, based on what we believe, we have replaced the three vehicles that have problems. We won't know if there are any others that we have identified until we go out and inspect them,” Baraka said. .
The mayor blamed the problem on a third-party contractor who partially replaced the water pipes, rather than completely replacing them as required by state law.
DEP Secretary Sean M. LaTourette said the state and city are conducting an audit but would not release the names of those involved.
“This happened because someone neglected their duties, and I want you to ensure that the mayor and I find that person and hold them fully accountable,” LaTourette said.
The city has mailed 180,000 notices to residents.
LaKeisha Muhammad said she won't let her granddaughter drink Newark water.
“That's very concerning, because what if she tastes the water? Reid, that's not good,” Muhammad said.
“I don't know what to say. They need to fix it,” resident Tony Smith added.
Officials said they have improved corrosion controls in Newark's water since federal authorities discovered elevated lead levels in the city's water in 2019.
“This is no cause for panic. The DEP and the City of Newark will do their job to ensure the audit is conducted,” LaTourette said.
“I can confidently say that the overwhelming majority of the city's major service lines have been completely replaced,” Baraka said.
The DEP chief said the audit could take several weeks and plans to make its findings available to the public.
