As Mayor of Newark, I stand with all of my residents during this difficult time. It is imperative now more than ever, that we not indulge those that seek to destroy but instead find ways to support and love one another. Today, I am happy to announce the City’s partnership with the United Way of Essex and West Hudson and the Community Food Bank of NewJersey to create a water fund and coordinate bottled water donations to support Newark residents.
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I want to thank both of these groups for stepping up and giving people a way to support their neighbors. Together, we are committed to providing access to safe drinking water for all, and we are grateful for the support of our amazing faith-based, community, statewide and national partners.
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To protect families that might be affected by lead, the City has made significant advances including:

· Distributing 38,000 water filters and over 31,000 replacement cartridges to impacted homeowners, free-of-charge.

· Creating a program to replace outdated lead service lines on private property to modernize Newark’s drinking water infrastructure and

· Launching a new corrosion control system that experts expect will reduce lead levels by the end of this year.

· and much, much more.
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In addition, Community organizations and individuals volunteered with us as we went door to door to distribute the filters. Now that we are distributing bottled water, Newarkers are again coming forward to help in getting water into the hands of their neighbors.
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To help support Newark families who have lead service lines, you may make an online gift toward purchasing bottled water at https://uwewh.org/water/  100% of online gifts will go towards purchasing bottled water. 
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The true measure of a community is how people come together in a time of difficulty and uncertainty. The people of Newark are proving that we are strong, we are resourceful, and we are united not in hate but in love and support for one another. We will overcome any challenge that comes our way.