More Chicago Homeowners Seeking Free Water Quality Tests
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The lead contaminated water scandal in Flint, Michigan has prompted hundreds of Chicagoans to take advantage of a little known city service -- free water quality testing.
City leaders just published the first results of those tests.
Only two of the 85 homes exceed federal limits on lead. They are a home on the 5400 block of South Harper Avenue and another on the 10400 block of South Vernon Avenue. A third home, on the 8000 block of South Hermitage Avenue, received results just under the federal limit, or action level, of 15 parts per billion.
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Chicago Department of Water Management Commissioner Barrett Murphy said those testing too high are offered free help diagnosing the problem. The city sends both a plumber and an electrician, to try to determine the cause.
Faulty electrical wiring can cause lead to leach from a home's pipes.
Homeowners are responsible for the actual repairs. About 150 tests have been done so far, and there have been 2,700 requests for testing citywide. You can test your own water or have someone come out. Murphy said the wait list for a visit is several weeks.
Chicagoans can register by calling 311 or by going to the department's website.
