Air & Water

Mission:  Reduce air and water pollution within Edgewater/Andersonville, while educating the community on good stewardship practices for clean air and water.  
  • EEC will continue encourage actions by individuals, business and the government to reduce the amount of water used and the amount discharged to the sewer system.
  • Through grass roots efforts we will identify the sources of air toxins and particulates; and promote methods for individuals and businesses to maintain clean air and reduce the ozone level.
  • Meetings and presentations will give topical information and provoke discussion and input on how each person can work to improve air and water quality
  • These actions can have a direct affect on the health of residents.

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2021:  Biden's American Rescue Plan was submitted to Congress.  As we consider the consequences to the health & safety of the nation, it is also good to remember that passage & investing in infrastructure is a big job creator. For example, a recent study by the Metropolitan Planning Council found that replacing all of Illinois’ lead service lines alone could create up to 224,500 jobs and $23 billion in additional economic activity.
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EPA Illinois: Information Regarding Lead in Water Systems
EPA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believe there is no safe level of lead exposure. Lead is harmful to health, especially for children. While paint, dust, and soil are the most common sources of lead, drinking water can contribute 40 to 60 percent of an infant's lead exposure.
The goal is to remove as much lead from your drinking water as possible.
Chicagoans concerned about lead in their drinking water have a number of options to help reduce the amount of lead in their drinking water.
  • Have your water tested. Many public water systems will test drinking water for residents upon request. Chicago residents can call 311 for information. You can also check the State of Illinois' drinking water website Exit  for a list of laboratories certified to analyze for lead.
  • Be aware of any work that could disturb your lead service line, such as water main replacement, lead service line repair or replacement of part of the service line.
  • Run water before use if it has not been used for several hours. The amount of time to run the water will depend on whether the home has a lead service line or not.
  • Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula.
  • Purchase a water filter that is certified to remove "total lead."
  • On a regular basis clean and remove any debris from faucet aerators to clear out any particles of lead that may become trapped in the aerator.
  • Purchase lead-free faucets and plumbing components.
  • Remove the entire lead service line.​
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