Newark Enters Water Crisis

The Primary: High lead levels in Newark, New Jersey’s water have resulted in a water crisis for over 15,000 residents of the city and possibly more. There’s no clear estimate when the water will be safe again.

• Who? What? Why?: The lead crisis has been developing for years due to corroding pipes. Efforts to stop the corrosion have failed repeatedly. Newark’s financial struggles are also to blame, as lack of money has prevented serious infrastructure rebuilds.

• The Baseline: The dangerous lead levels predominately affect black and low income neighborhoods, but government officials say the similarities to Flint end there. Unlike Flint, they argue, Newark has been trying to fix the problem but have yet to find a solution.