Two water samples that were tested for lead and copper contamination by The Water Collaborative of Greater New Orleans sit next to a kitchen sink. (Photo courtesy of The Water Collaborative of Greater New Orleans)
NEW ORLEANS — A local environmental nonprofit released a report on Saturday that says it found lead in the water of nearly 90% of homes it tested throughout the city over the summer.
The Water Collaborative of Greater New Orleans, which focuses on advocacy and awareness surrounding water policy and management, tested the water in 144 homes across 37 neighborhoods in New Orleans over the summer and said that 88% of the homes tested positive for lead. The group released its findings to the public at Tulane River and Coastal Center.
The nonprofit collected its data this summer after seeking residents to volunteer for testing. Members of the Water Collaborative went into people’s homes, collected demographic information and water samples, then sent the samples to a lab for testing.