The Water Collaborative

??Policy Update: Lead Service Line (LSL) Replacement ?What’s the deal with lead? The EPA estimates that there are over 9 million lead service lines (lead pipes) in the US. When water leaves a treatment facility and travels to homes via lead pipes, lead may flake off and contaminate the water. **Lead is a toxin that can cause serious health effects.** ?Could my home have lead? Lead pipes were installed all over the US before we caught on to the consequences. At The Water Collaborative, we tested close to 150 residential taps in New Orleans and found lead contamination in 88% of the homes we tested (https://lnkd.in/gpPmxaQr). Our study is currently closed but you can get request a free lead testing kit through: https://lnkd.in/gWaNiw55 You can also purchase an NSF 53 filter, certified to filter out lead. ?So what’s happening now? House Joint Resolution (HJR) 44 would repeal the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) issued in October 2024. The LCRI mandated more rigorous testing of drinking water AND the identification and replacement of all lead service lines by 2037. HJR 44 was introduced on February 12th and is sitting in the House Committee of Energy and Commerce. While it does not seem to be getting much traction, it is SO IMPORTANT to continue to push against nonsensical attacks on safe drinking water. If you want to voice your opposition to HJR 44, follow this link from Food & Water Watch: https://lnkd.in/gb5nKAbT

"Upstream, Downriver – Uniting for Water Justice" premieres tonight at the Environmental Film Festival in D.C. (www.dceff.org). This new, hour-long version of?the documentary features Jessica Dandridge-Smith, MA and spotlights our work here at The Water Collaborative! For more about Upstream, Downriver Media Project and to stream the documentary visit: upstreamdownriver.org Film overview: "A documentary about community activists on the frontlines fighting for water justice and equity. Their powerful stories are interwoven with historical context about the successes and failures of the U.S. Clean Water Act. The Act’s landmark regulations significantly reduced water pollution in America but have not served all communities equitably, leaving many disadvantaged communities unprotected. From coal sludge and toxic run-off to open wastewater, over half of the waterways in the U.S. today are too polluted to drink, fish, swim, or for aquatic life."

Last chance to register! Join our Executive Director, Jessica Dandridge-Smith, MA for 'An Honest Conversation about Water Security,' hosted by ByWater Institute at Tulane University. Register here: https://lnkd.in/g4RREDb6

1 WEEK AWAY, RSVP TODAY! Next Monday, we’re kicking off New Orleans Entrepreneur Week with insights on how organizations and businesses can leverage local ecosystem resources—innovation, policy, and community engagement—to thrive. Don't miss this insightful conversation! ?? 2040 St. Charles Ave. ? 1:30 - 2:15 PM ?? RSVP now: https://lnkd.in/g8Q8Scae The Beach at UNO; University of New Orleans; Natrx | Adaptive Infrastructure; RCOAST; Southern Shores Engineering, LLC; & us, The Water Collaborative! This event is part of the lead programming powering NOEW 2025—a week-long celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship, and culture! Learn more and register for FREE at NOEW. ?#FutureOfEnergy #SustainableSolutions #NatureBasedInnovation #NOEW

Join us THIS THURSDAY (3/20) for 'An Honest Conversation about Water Security,' hosted & moderated by ByWater Institute at Tulane University. The discussion will center around the critical water & climate challenges facing New Orleans and the Gulf South. It features expert panelists, including TWC's own Executive Director, Jessica Dandridge-Smith, MA. When? Thursday, March 20th [4:30 - 6:00pm] Where? Tulane River & Coastal Center RSVP to reserve your space for the in-person event, OR request a link to the live stream: https://lnkd.in/g4RREDb6

Our 2024 Water Quality Study of Orleans Parish residential drinking water found lead contamination in 88% of the homes we tested. Join study lead and TWC Policy & Research Coordinator Taya F. for a water quality roundtable tomorrow! Thursday, March 13th 12:30 - 1:45 pm Loyola University (Monroe Hall 610)

Come work with us! Apply by this Friday (3/14) for our Social Media Fellowship. This is a part-time, remote position that offers young professionals an opportunity to develop their communications skills and build a professional network in the environmental sector. For more details & to apply: https://lnkd.in/gxtJqbWd

On March 4, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 decision that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had overstepped its statutory limits by imposing broad, outcome-based mandates on water discharge permits. The ruling limits the EPA’s authority to enforce general water quality requirements, instead requiring clear, enforceable pollution limits in permits. So what does this mean for your drinking water? Check out the latest article from "Water News" blog by Policy & Research Coordinator Taya F.: https://lnkd.in/dsWFPFqP

The EPA and UNO Research and Technology Foundation are working to update the Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CCMP) for the Pontchartrain Basin for the first time since 1995. This revised plan aims to improve the water quality of the Pontchartrain Basin, foster increased awareness of water quality issues, and promote habitat sustainability. ? Want to learn more? The planning team is hosting four in-person community roundtables across the Pontchartrain Basin and a virtual meeting to both inform the public about the CCMP revision process and solicit public feedback. March 10, 12pm: Virtual Webinar March 10, 5:30pm: McComb, MS (McComb Library) March 13, 5:30pm: Covington, LA (St. Tammany Parish Library – Covington Branch) March 20, 5:30pm: Livingston, LA (Livingston Parish Library Main Branch) March 27, 5:30pm: Violet, LA (Docville Farms)

This Wednesday (2/5) our Executive Director, Jessica Dandridge-Smith, MA, will join a virtual panel discussion hosted by Insurance for Good and SBP. Register today! https://lnkd.in/gnM--9Ts