BUFFALO, N.Y. — Franchelle Parker of Open Buffalo is one of the community organizations working with Buffalo Water to help find out where there are lead lines and how to remediate the problem.
"We have the expertise and we have a unique. moment where we can actually replace them free of charge," Parker said.
The Lead Line Removal Program initiative will start in the historic Hamlin Park neighborhood.
"We are facing a crisis in our community that's disproportionately impacting east side communities," according to Parker.
Select members from the Community Health Center and Open Buffalo will help gather information about service line materials, like lead.
"It's really vitally important that we not only identify where we have our lead service lines, but as part of that we make sure that we are programmatic in how we are getting rid of our lead service lines in all of our neighborhoods, starting with the ones that have been underserved for so many years," said Oluwole “OJ” McFoy, Buffalo Water Board chairman.
There is also a tap water sampling program in the city. If you want to call 311 or if you want to visit our Water Wise website and sign up for the survey.
McFoy said, "Buffalo is in need of making sure that we can identify the lead service lines and then have a programmatic plan to make sure that we are getting them replaced. So the idea behind the Community Care Worker coalition is for our community partners to actively pursue this information, motivate our community and make sure to help us and collaborate to make sure that we can get these things done."