SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — The City of Syracuse is turning to an outside company for lead water testing after mistakes in 2024 led to inaccurate results.
Mayor Ben Walsh waived the request-for-proposal process, selecting Indianapolis-based 120Water based on a recommendation from Buffalo officials. The Syracuse Common Council approved the hire on Tuesday, with the contract costing up to $96,000.
City leaders say outsourcing will ensure accuracy. But some residents argue they never trusted the city’s water testing in the first place.
“It’s just kind of a disgrace, and I don’t really feel we can trust Syracuse to put out the accurate numbers, too, because have they ever?” said Syracuse resident Brent Kelley.
Beyond concerns over accuracy, others question why the city didn’t choose a local company.
“We have people here that you could have hired here, locally,” said Darlene Medley, West Branch Leader of Families for Lead Freedom Now. “And then what you’re not telling the people is we’re still going to have to do the sampling. That’s where the miscommunication keeps happening.”
The city’s water department had just one employee handling lead testing, a process required twice a year by federal law. That employee has since been reassigned.
Medley believes city officials are ignoring those most affected by lead contamination.
“We have built great relationships out in the community, with a lot of great people that are doing a lot of great work,” she said. “But the elected officials never ever ask us, ‘How can we do better? How can we help?’ They never meet with the affected families to get a better picture or idea of what we need.”
Despite the backlash, Syracuse is taking additional steps to address lead concerns.
The Common Council also approved funding to replace 2,800 known lead service lines. But with an estimated 30,000 still potentially in need of replacement, concerns over safe drinking water remain.