“Lead affects several different body systems. Because it affects the brain in the way it does, children can fall far behind in school.”
Oceanna Fair, Families for Lead Freedom Now
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Lead Prevention Week took place nationwide this week, and Onondaga County hosted events to make the community aware of the element’s impacts.
Syracuse is a city that has historically struggled with lead poisoning, whether from house paint or water pipes. The Syracuse Water Department confirmed that while the water leaving Skaneateles Lake and traveling through the city’s water mains is lead-free, lead is often present in pipes connecting older homes to the system. Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Kathryn Anderson confirmed on Oct. 25, 2024, that “the City of Syracuse water supply is not contaminated.”
Mayor Ben Walsh’s administration committed to eliminating all 14,000 lead services in about five years, half the time required by the EPA. Replacements are prioritized using an Equity Score model, based on factors including race and income, to complete projects in areas with the highest concentrations of older homes.
A number of programs across the city have tried to mediate the issue, both within government, and grassroots. Oceanna Fair is a leader of Families for Lead Freedom Now, one of the local organizations committed to helping residents live a healthy life.
“Lead affects several different body systems,” Fair said. “Because it affects the brain in the way it does, children can fall far behind in school.”
As Fair said, lead is a neurotoxin, affecting brain function, especially in young children. The element can also cause kidney failure, gastrointestinal issues, and aggressive forms of cancer. It is for this reason that Fair said residents need to be even more proactive about lead prevention.
“You want to make sure that you’re getting a point of use filter,” she said. “That can be a Brita pitcher, but you need to make sure that it does filter for lead. Use that filter for all water, used for cooking or consumption.”
While Families for Lead Freedom Now encouraged residents to take prevention into their own hands, the city said its solutions are in progress. Syracuse and Onondaga County offer free water filters to those with young children, and testing is available through the city. Many tests have been inconsistent, according to a Syracuse.com investigation.
The City and the Onondaga County Health Department are distributing free water filters to eligible households, including those with children age six and under. Eligible residents can call the Water Department at 315-448-8354 or visit syr.gov/lead-free-Syracuse to learn more about filter distribution and replacement plans.