Watts Launches Free Lead Water Testing Initiative with Mayor Karen Bass and Community Partners
Councilmember Tim McOsker is working with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), Mayor Karen Bass, the Watts Labor Community Action Committee, and the East Side Riders Bike Club to launch a water testing awareness campaign in Watts. This campaign aims to inform residents about free lead testing for water, following alarming findings from the Better Watts Initiative (BWI) study.
The BWI study, released in August, showed high levels of lead in some water sources in Watts, highlighting the need to protect public health. In response, the East Side Riders Bike Club has begun a door-to-door effort to inform residents about lead risks and available resources.
Councilmember McOsker stated, “We’re proud to partner with the East Side Riders Bike Club to ensure every resident knows about LADWP’s free water quality testing.” He emphasized that all residents deserve access to safe water and the assurance that their water is safe.
After the study’s release, McOsker introduced a motion in the City Council for a comprehensive plan to tackle lead exposure in Watts. This motion asked for clear communication strategies to keep residents updated on progress and efforts.
Mayor Bass expressed gratitude towards McOsker and the community partners, stating, “This initiative continues urgent action to ensure Watts residents are aware of the resources available to them.”
LADWP CEO Janisse Quiñones highlighted ongoing collaboration to offer water testing in public housing sites. “We are preparing over 2,000 test kits and arranging for third-party testing in accredited labs,” she explained. The goal is to expand free water quality testing to the wider Watts community and engage residents in outreach efforts.
City leaders warned residents about companies offering paid water testing. They confirmed that all testing from this campaign is free and performed using state-accredited laboratory methods.
How can community members get involved in the efforts to address lead contamination in Watts?
Interview with Timothy Watkins, president/CEO of the Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC)
News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us, Timothy. The better watts Initiative (BWI) study has raised significant concerns about lead levels in Watts water sources. What was your initial reaction to the findings?
Timothy watkins: Thank you for having me. I was deeply concerned, but sadly, not surprised. Lead exposure poses serious health risks, notably to our children. The results of the BWI study, which found lead levels exceeding EPA standards, are a wake-up call for our community. It’s imperative that we act swiftly to inform and protect our residents.
News Directory 3: Can you tell us about the collaborative efforts with Councilmember Tim McOsker and other local organizations in addressing this issue?
Timothy Watkins: Absolutely. Councilmember McOsker has been a steadfast ally in this initiative. By partnering with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), Mayor Karen Bass, the Watts Labor Community Action Committee, and the East Side Riders Bike Club, we’ve organized a complete awareness campaign. This effort includes door-to-door outreach to inform residents about free lead testing and the resources available to them.
News directory 3: How is the door-to-door campaign being conducted, and who is involved in this outreach?
Timothy Watkins: We’re engaging local youth and community volunteers to carry out the door-to-door campaign. Interns from California State University Dominguez Hills and Verbum Dei Jesuit High School are actively involved. Their participation is vital; it empowers them to be leaders in their communities while addressing critical public health issues.
News Directory 3: What do you see as the impact of this initiative on the community, particularly in terms of health education?
Timothy Watkins: the impact can be transformative. By educating residents about the dangers of lead exposure and the fact that there is no safe level of lead, we’re fostering a culture of health awareness. Empowering our community with knowledge and resources, coupled with free water testing, can lead to a healthier future for generations to come.
News Directory 3: With companies offering paid water testing, what do you want residents to understand about the testing offered through this campaign?
Timothy Watkins: It’s crucial for residents to know that all testing associated with this campaign is completely free and conducted using accredited laboratory methods. our goal is to ensure that everyone in Watts has access to safe drinking water without any financial barriers.
News Directory 3: Lastly, what message do you have for watts residents moving forward?
Timothy Watkins: Stay informed and proactive. We urge all residents to take advantage of the free water testing and participate in our awareness initiatives. Your health matters, and together, we can create safer living conditions for our entire community. If you have questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact the LADWP’s Water Quality Hotline.
Timothy Watkins, president/CEO of WLCAC and founder of the BWI, insisted, “Ultimately, there is no safe level of lead exposure for the human body.” He stated their commitment to educating Watts residents about lead contamination and available resources.
The BWI study found some water samples in Watts with lead levels above the EPA’s action level of 15 parts per billion, which requires infrastructure repairs and public notifications.
Watts is considered one of California’s most polluted areas, prompting the BWI’s efforts. Over four months, volunteers collected over 500 water samples from the neighborhood.
John Jones III, president of the East Side Riders Bike Club, praised the involvement of local youth in addressing critical community issues. “This initiative shows how impactful their voices and efforts can be,” he said.
The door-to-door campaign will involve interns from California State University Dominguez Hills, Verbum Dei Jesuit High School, and other volunteers.
Residents can learn more about free water testing by calling LADWP’s Water Quality Hotline at (213) 367-3182.