"How a long line of questionable decisions led to the crisis over lead contamination in Newark."

"NEWARK — In the year after receiving test results showing alarming levels of lead in this city’s drinking water, Mayor Ras Baraka of Newark made a number of unexpected decisions.

He mailed a brochure to all city residents assuring them that “the quality of water meets all federal and state standards.”

He declared the water safe and then condemned, in capital letters on the city’s website, “outrageously false statements” to the contrary.

And he elevated an official to run the city’s water department who had served four years in prison for conspiring to sell five kilograms of cocaine."

Nick Corasaniti, Corey Kilgannon, and John Schwartz report for the New York Times August 25, 2019. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"‘Tasting Funny for Years’: Lead in the Water and a City in Crisis" (New York Times) [3]

"Lead Crisis in Newark Grows, as Bottled Water Distribution Is Bungled" (New York Times) [4]

"Here’s Why Newark’s Lead Crisis Is Different" (Washington Post) [5]

"Lead Testing In Newark Water To Extend A Few More Weeks" (AP) [6]