East Chicago Officials Reassure Residents About Water Despite EPA Report

East Chicago Officials Reassure Residents About Water Despite EPA Report

WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the stories that matter.

Officials in East Chicago, Indiana are trying to reassure residents that their drinking water is safe. 

Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported that testing revealed 18 homes in East Chicago had elevated lead levels. The homes are within a superfund site where a lead smelting company once operated. 

Greg Crowley, who heads the city’s water filtration plant, said the EPA should have worked more closely with the city to get the word out — but that the water is safe. Anthony Copeland, East Chicago’s mayor, said the city needs to replace its aging infrastructure but it is expensive to do so.