Like many communities across the country, Clarksville, Tennessee is identifying and replacing lead service lines throughout a water system that provides drinking water to over 220,000 people. The City’s Gas & Water Department (CGW) is visually inspecting every service line and meter installed before 1989 as the first step in a multiyear campaign to ensure CGW’s system is lead free.
We know lead can cause serious harm to developing brains. That’s why a key component of the CGW campaign is a robust public involvement effort that starts with targeted outreach to the most vulnerable populations such as local daycares and schools. With a $15,000 grant from Healthy Babies Bright Futures, CGW developed tools to make outreach efficient and effective.
HOW WAS THE FUNDING USED?
First, a database was created using the State of Tennessee licensing information of all daycare providers in the CGW service area. There are over 100 providers that CGW will be reaching out to via a series of public workshops taking place this summer.
CGW is also working with Clarksville-Montgomery County School System (CMCSS) to test for lead in its schools. CMCSS has 42 schools, including 19 built prior to 1989. CGW’s primary goal this summer is to compile accurate contact information for every school and daycare; provide the contacts with easy to understand, straightforward information about lead/galvanized pipes in the CGW system; and help facilitate testing and remediation for lead as needed in these facilities.
To prepare for the daycare provider workshops, CGW is creating presentations with information on the EPA Lead and Copper Rule; hands on examples of pipe types so owners can determine what is in their facility; and, most importantly, how to test for lead in the water and remediate, if necessary.
In addition to the presentation, fliers in English and Spanish will be given out that contain summarized points and contact information for multiple CGW employees should questions or concerns arise. This same information will also be provided to local women’s health providers to pass along to new and expectant mothers.
WHO WILL THIS BENEFIT?
While CGW is targeting the most vulnerable populations, it's rolling out information to the general public too. CGW will launch a new interactive webpage with videos, graphics and a searchable GIS based web map in July. The map will allow users to input their street address and check if CGW crews have identified a galvanized connection at their water main.
A galvanized connection could indicate that the user has a lead and/or galvanized line on the private side of the meter and that testing for lead is recommended. The web page will continue to evolve over time and will eventually include the ability to sign up for tours of the existing South Clarksville Water Treatment Plant and, once it opens in late 2025, the North Clarksville Water Treatment Plant.
The City of Clarksville’s Communication Office is assisting in the efforts to get information out to the general public too. Earlier this year, the Communications Office launched the “On Public Square” podcast.
In early April, the weekly podcast featured a “Get The Lead Out!” episode about lead paint and pipes in homes. In July, an episode will feature CGW employees discussing lead and galvanized water lines; the work to reach schools and daycare facilities; and the HBBF’s grant.
While there is still a lot of work to be done, CGW is excited to make connections in the community and work with our partner agencies — including the Clarksville Neighborhood and Community Housing; Montgomery County Health Department; Montgomery County Health Council and the Clarksville Community Action Group — to keep our youngest citizens safe from the dangers of lead poisoning.
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