Syracuse Sun

Onondaga County and the City of Syracuse have announced progress in their water filter distribution program aimed at households with pregnant women and children aged six and under. This initiative addresses concerns about potential lead contamination in drinking water due to lead service lines in older homes.

In the first three days, the program focused on families enrolled in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, distributing filters to over 1,175 households. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon expressed satisfaction with the participation rate, stating that prioritizing high-risk families ensures protection for vulnerable residents.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh emphasized efforts to reach eligible households by collaborating with local organizations and the City School District. "We are meeting people where they are to ensure that eligible households have access to water filters as the latest sampling results are finalized,” he said.

The next phase will target families eligible for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Bureau and those with children in Pre-K through first grade within the Syracuse City School District. Filters will be distributed through schools as part of this expansion.

Dr. Kathryn Anderson, Onondaga County Health Commissioner, highlighted the health risks associated with lead exposure and stressed minimizing exposure from all sources. She stated that using a water filter can reduce household exposure to lead from service lines and pipes.

For further details on Syracuse's water initiatives, visit https://www.syr.gov/Departments/Water/Lead-Free-Syracuse.