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D.C. Lead Contamination Discovery
- In 2003, D.C. homeowners found leaky pipes, some brand new, which should have lasted 50 years.
- Dr. Mark Edwards found toxic levels of lead in their water, exceeding the safe limit by over 80 times.
WASA's Mismanagement
- When a D.C. water quality manager suggested action based on the lead tests, she was fired.
- WASA advised residents to run water for 30 seconds, but lead levels were highest then.
Cause of D.C. Contamination
- Press coverage and congressional hearings forced action, revealing the cause was switching water treatment to monochloramine.
- This chemical leached lead from pipes, impacting D.C. residents' health.