LA City to Consider Steps to Address Lead Contamination in Watts Area

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Following a study that found alarming levels of lead in drinking water found in homes in the Watts area, the Los Angeles City Council Wednesday will consider taking steps to address the contamination issues.

Last week, City Councilman Tim McOsker, who represents the 15th District, which encompasses Watts, called for the immediate testing, reporting and remediation to ensure the safety of his constituents. The council's five- member Energy and Environment Committee was set to discuss the motion at an upcoming meeting, but Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, who chairs the committee, fast tracked it to the City Council, according to her office.

If approved, the Department of Water and Power and the city's Housing Authority would investigate and verify the levels of lead contamination. DWP personnel would also be tasked with identifying the sources of lead exposure and to repair all affected areas in Watts.

Additionally, the Housing Authority would create a strategy to communicate with residents about any efforts and progress being made on the issue.

In 2016, the Watts Labor Community Action Committee launched the Better Watts Initiative, a collaborative for environmental justice in Watts. Over the course of four months, volunteers -- residents of the area as well as students from UCLA and USC -- gathered more than 500 water samples throughout the neighborhood.

The Better Watts Initiative published a study that showed  21 water samples contained lead concentrations at various levels. About five of these samples contained lead at a much higher level than what the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency deems normal, a level of 15 parts per billion. Higher levels require mandatory infrastructure repairs and public notifications under the agency's guidelines.

Researchers detected lead in public housing overseen by HACLA, such as Jordan Downs, Nickerson Gardens, and Imperial Courts.

Courtney Harris, a spokesperson for HACLA, said the agency will work with DWP and community representatives to conduct testing at its housing developments in Watts, as well as another housing development, Gonzaque Village.

"Our priority is the safety, health, and wellbeing of our residents," Harris said in a statement. "HACLA takes residents' concerns seriously and is prepared to take all appropriate steps as needed."

In 2016, HACLA participated in a detailed water quality study at Jordan Downs, conducted by DWP, which did not identify any issues.