The Full Picture of Our Lead Problem

Turning on the Tap in America

Voices

Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha is helping to bring attention to the high lead levels in Newark, New Jersey’s drinking water—some of the highest recently recorded by a large water system in the United States.

Northeast Dispatch

Denials and delays from city officials have failed to keep residents safe from high levels of lead in their drinking water. These community organizers are busy picking up the slack.

Guide

After officials repeatedly dismissed claims that Flint’s water was making people sick, residents took action. Here’s how the lead contamination crisis unfolded—and what we can learn from it.

Victory

How NRDC spearheaded the solution to an “impossible” environmental problem and protected the health of millions of children.

Explainer

If lead poisoning seems like a story from the past, think again: The toxic metal lingers in communities all over the United States.

Explainer

Everything you need to know in order to fill a glass from your faucet with confidence.

Midwest Dispatch

Because it can take years before the government does anything about it.

NRDC in Action

These four NRDC lawyers would finish each other’s thoughts—at any odd hour of the day or night—in their quest to help victims of the city’s lead crisis.

Q&A

Lots of people think drinking bottled water is safer. Is it?

On Location

Partnering with NRDC and ACLU, residents of this Michigan city took their local government to court in a battle for safe drinking water.

Personal Action

Residents of cities like Pittsburgh and Newark continue to face high levels of this toxic metal in their drinking water supplies. Here’s what to do if this crisis affects you.

Q&A

Both problems pose significant health risks, but many people grappling with them can’t afford major renovations—and can’t move out. NRDC attorney Albert Huang shows us the range of solutions to consider.

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