Chicago wanted to replace its lead pipes. Two years later, the work has barely begun.

Only 0.5% of all lead pipes in Chicago have been replaced, falling short of the city’s goal.

By Lynnea Domienik
Chicago wanted to replace its lead pipes. Two years later, the work has barely begun.
Copper pipe installation bringing water to Troy Hernandez's residence in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood on Friday, April 9, 2021. President Joe Biden’s proposal to get rid of every lead water pipe in the country could have huge ramifications. That's especially true in communities where a large number of Black, Latino and low-income residents have been left effectively drinking from a lead straw. The problem persists decades after scientists established that lead consumption is unsafe at any level. Biden announced the pipe proposal as part of his $2.3 trillion infrastructure package. (AP Photo/Shafkat Anowar) Associated Press
Chicago wanted to replace its lead pipes. Two years later, the work has barely begun.
Copper pipe installation bringing water to Troy Hernandez's residence in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood on Friday, April 9, 2021. President Joe Biden’s proposal to get rid of every lead water pipe in the country could have huge ramifications. That's especially true in communities where a large number of Black, Latino and low-income residents have been left effectively drinking from a lead straw. The problem persists decades after scientists established that lead consumption is unsafe at any level. Biden announced the pipe proposal as part of his $2.3 trillion infrastructure package. (AP Photo/Shafkat Anowar) Associated Press

Chicago wanted to replace its lead pipes. Two years later, the work has barely begun.

Only 0.5% of all lead pipes in Chicago have been replaced, falling short of the city’s goal.

By Lynnea Domienik
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Chicago has 400,000 lead service lines that bring drinking water into people’s homes, which is more than any other city in the U.S. Lead contaminates drinking water, and no amount of lead is safe.

Reset finds out the latest on why replacement has been slow, and the risk to the public.

GUEST: Heather Cherone, political reporter for WTTW