Number
170131
Version
SUBSTITUTE 2
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. ZIELINSKI, BOHL AND LEWIS
Title
Substitute resolution relating to Health Department recommendations for avoiding lead exposure.
Analysis
This resolution directs the Health Department to provide ongoing community updates to inform the public that:
1. Occupants of buildings where lead service lines are present should adequately flush water lines after prolonged periods of stagnation to reduce potential lead hazards, but the use of NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certified lead filters is the most thorough means of lead-water safety.
2. At-risk populations of women and children living in buildings where lead service lines are present, including women who are pregnant, may become pregnant (women ages 15-45) or who are breastfeeding, and children up to the age of 6, should drink and cook only with water that has been filtered with an NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certified lead filter.
These updates shall include updating all drinking water safety, lead awareness, lead poisoning prevention and relevant pregnancy and prenatal care initiatives, websites, social media messaging, printed materials, outdoor and media advertisements and campaigns under the authority of the Health Department.
The use of water filtration systems certified to remove lead according to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 shall be promoted to the public as the most thorough means of lead-water safety. The Health Department shall include in any discussion of flushing drinking water by running taps a warning to the public of the risk of lead exposure involved in failing to adhere to flushing guidelines.
This resolution further directs the Health Department to issue written recommendations to Milwaukee-area obstetricians, pediatricians and public and private healthcare facilities and partner agencies, including Women, Infants and Children clinics and Federally Qualified Health Centers, that:
1. Infants and children up to the age of 6 should be assessed for le...
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