"PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Five environmental and community groups have filed a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency alleging the Providence Water Supply Board’s infrastructure and lead pipe replacement work disproportionately increases the risk of lead exposure for residents of color.
“All families deserve lead-free drinking water, regardless of race, class, or any other factor,” Childhood Lead Action Project Executive Director Laura Brion said in a statement Wednesday. “Right now, ProvWater will only fully replace lead pipes for property owners with enough money to pay out of pocket or take out a loan. This amounts to obvious race and class discrimination and needs to stop.”
The other groups involved are Direct Action for Rights and Equality, South Providence Neighborhood Association, National Center for Healthy Housing, and Environmental Defense Fund."
