Coffee Talk
Good morning—grab your coffee and join me for a minute. It’s 2025, and sometimes I look around and wonder how some things never change. Lead in the pipes at my granddaughter’s school—really? You’d think we’d have solved this by now. Pour yourself a cup and let’s talk about what’s still in our water, and why it still matters.
Why Are We Still Here in 2025?
Since 1986, there have been at least three major moves by Congress to “fix” the lead-in-pipes problem. Bans on new lead pipes, new funding bills, more EPA rules, and state mandates. Yet, somehow, the same story keeps playing out—this time, in a brand new high school.
But here’s the kicker. I wouldn’t even know about it if I hadn’t asked my granddaughter. No big announcements, no flyers sent home. Just this:
“Oh yeah, the drinking fountain downstairs—and two or three of the eyewash stations—are turned off.”
No fanfare. No outrage. Just another day for the kids.
Laws Without Dollars: What Good Are They?
Here’s where my cynical side kicks in. Congress keeps passing laws, the EPA puts out new rules, and there’s always talk of funding. But unless there’s money to actually fix the pipes and accountability down to the local level, how does anything change?
I haven’t asked the school if they got federal funds for these repairs—and honestly, that’s not something you just bring up at the front desk. Maybe it needs a little tact, or maybe it’s just easier to keep questions to myself.
(And when I do ask? I keep my glasses on—my eyes give away everything I’m thinking!)
So Why Is This Still Happening?
- Are contractors still using old stock or cheap parts?
- Are inspections not catching problems?
- Are local budgets stretched too thin?
- Or is it just easier to shut off water and hope nobody asks?
Whatever the answer, it shouldn’t be this hard for families to know what’s really going on.
Not Really an Influencer—Just a Guy Who Cares
I’m not trying to start a crusade. I just want clean, safe water for my granddaughter, her friends, and every kid sitting in class. Maybe someday I’ll get off my butt and track down where that funding actually went—and if I do, I’ll share it here.
Until then, I’ll keep asking, keep “Coffee Talking,” and keep hoping we get this right—no matter what year is on the calendar.
Let’s Talk!
Drop a comment if you’ve gone through something similar, figured out funding in your school, or just want to share a story. I’m all ears—and my eyes (behind the glasses) are open.
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