Crocker Stephenson

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Free water filtration devices will be made available this month to Milwaukee residents living in homes with lead service lines, the Milwaukee Health Department announced Monday.

A.O. Smith Corp. and the United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County are partnering with the city to provide the Aquasana-brand devices.

In addition, Ajita G. Rajendra, chairman and chief executive officer of A.O. Smith, said residents of any household in the four-county Greater Milwaukee Area can purchase the devices online at a deep discount.

"That is what public health looks like — when we can have one of our longstanding corporations lean forward in a time of need for this community," Health Commissioner Bevan Baker said.

Two products are being offered through the program: a countertop unit and a filtration pitcher. Both are certified to remove more than 99% of lead from drinking water as well as 65 other potentially harmful contaminants, including heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, cysts and organic pollutants, such as pesticides.

Nicole Angresano, vice president of community impact for the United Way, said $90,000 is going toward the purchase of filter systems and replacement filters.

The Health Department will distribute the devices and replacement filters beginning at the end of the month through two agencies: the Social Development Commission on the north side; and the Sixteenth Street Community Health Center on the south.

Households with pregnant women and children under the age of 6 are especially encouraged to take advantage of the program.

Residents of the Milwaukee area who do not qualify for free devices can purchase them online at a significant discount through the end of the year. Go to aquasana.com and use the password "Milwaukee."