UPDATE: It was announced last week by A. O. Smith and Aquasana that Greater Milwaukee area residentes, who are not eligible or who do not qualify for the Mayor’s free filters program, can receive a special discount to purchase Aquasana water filtration systems to remove lead from water. A significant discount will be available through the end of 2016 to residents who purchase Aquasana water filters online at www.aquasana.com using the password “Milwaukee.”
Huge Lines of Southside Residents Seeking Water Filters
Milwaukee – Southside residents stood in huge lines at the Kozy Community Center this week vying to be among the first to enroll in a city of Milwaukee program targeting those living in homes with lead service water pipes.
Organizers of the program say they are desperately trying to reach pregnant women, nursing mothers and households with children under the age of six.
The Social Development Commission (SDC) and Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers have been selected by city officials to coordinate the distribution of the water filters.
Those fortunate to be seen by a representative of SDC or 16th Street Health Clinic will receive a Aquasana Claryum countertop unit or the Claryum “Clean Water Machine” powered water filtration pitcher.
The program is funded by a $15,000 grant from the United Way, which was matched by the health system members of the Milwaukee Health Care Partnership: Aurora Health Care; Ascension Wisconsin; Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin; and Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Additional money from A.O. Smith and the city brought the total funding to $90,000.
The budget approved by the Milwaukee Common Council includes $150,000 for purchasing additional filters.
Only 2000 plus filters will be given to Milwaukee area residents who are eligible for the program. Those not eligible can receive a discount on Aquasana water filters by contacting the company that distributes them.
There are 70,000 lead pipes in Milwaukee presenting a danger to the drinking and cooking water of residents.
No word from city officials as to the plan to remove the lead pipes.
The Common Council met last week to vote on a funding proposal by the Mayor that calls for residents to pay up to $1,600 for removing lead water pipes, but the Common Council did not act on the proposal seeking to review other funding opinions.
The Mayor’s proposal is due to be discussed again in December at the next Common Council meeting.
