McOsker Calls for Testing, Reporting and Remediation of Toxic Lead Contamination in Watts’ Water

LOS ANGELES — Councilmember Tim McOsker Aug. 27 introduced a motion to urgently address the alarming levels of lead contamination in the drinking water of homes in Watts. The motion, based upon findings from a study commissioned by the Better Watts Initiative, calls for immediate action to protect the health and safety of Watts residents.

Watts is one of California’s most polluted neighborhoods according to CalEnviroScreen. The study, which highlighted significant levels of lead in the tap water of several homes in public housing developments, revealed that some water samples contained lead concentrations exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency’s or EPA action level of 15 parts per billion. Such levels require mandatory infrastructure repairs and public notifications under EPA guidelines.

“The findings brought to light by the Better Watts Initiative are deeply concerning. This is about the health and safety of our neighbors, our friends, and our families,” said Councilmember Tim McOsker. “Like all Angelenos, the people of Watts should have a safe and healthy environment to call home and that undoubtedly includes access to safe, clean water.”

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

“We’ve waited for so long to have an elected official in the 15th Council District who genuinely cares about long-term environmental justice issues,” said Tim Watkins, President and CEO of the WLCAC. “Clean water should be the bare minimum for every community, and the Better Watts Initiative is proud to have shed light on this issue because anything less than clean water is unacceptable. I’m ready and eager to collaborate with Councilmember McOsker on any steps necessary to uplift our community.”

The motion demands that the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power or LADWP, in collaboration with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles or HACLA, investigate and address the contamination issues raised in the Better Watts Initiative report.

The motion calls for a comprehensive plan to identify the sources of lead exposure and to repair all affected areas in Watts. Additionally, the motion requests regular updates on the steps HACLA is taking to address the issue and effective communication strategies to ensure the community is well-informed about the progress and measures being implemented.

Councilmember McOsker’s motion urges the LADWP to work closely with HACLA and the Better Watts Initiative to develop and implement strategies that safeguard residents, providing clear guidance on techniques to keep them safe from lead exposure.

The motion was seconded by Councilmember Heather Hutt and has been referred to the Energy and Environment Committee.