About 82 Below

Visualize, Innovate, Eliminate - Addressing the lack of clarity regarding lead pipeline data in Chicago

Our Mission

82 Below is dedicated to addressing the lack of clarity regarding lead pipeline data in Chicago. Our mission is to map and analyze lead contamination using geospatial data to visualize and quantify the impact of lead poisoning in different Chicago neighborhoods.

Chicago has one of the highest numbers of lead service lines in the U.S., requiring urgent policy intervention. High lead levels in drinking water are linked to cognitive and developmental issues, especially in children.

By understanding the distribution of lead contamination, we aim to inform the public and policymakers for targeted action, creating a healthier future for all Chicago residents.

Our Team

  • Thailer Simmons

    tsimmons1@hawk.iit.edu

  • Sebastian Buzenas

    sbuzenas@hawk.iit.edu

  • Pranav Kuchibhotla

    pkuchibhotla@hawk.iit.edu

  • Gavin Coffer

    gcoffer@hawk.iit.edu

  • Obaid Bin-Mahfoudh

    obinmahfoudh@hawk.iit.edu

Our Project Goals

Preliminary Goals

  • Collect and clean relevant service line inventory data
  • Gather address type information (residential, commercial, school, etc.)
  • Generate basic visualizations (heatmaps) to identify high-risk areas

Main Goals

  • Develop a geo-spatial analysis model to predict lead contamination risks
  • Cross-reference lead levels with socio-economic factors
  • Create a website and dashboard for easy information access
  • Provide ease of access to related datasets

Aspirational Goals

  • Map risk factors for other forms of lead contamination
  • Create tools for residents and policy makers to learn and take action
  • Enhance website with advanced visualizations and animations

Our Subject Matter Expert

EB

Elin Betanzo

Founder and CEO of Safe Water Engineering LLC

Elin Betanzo is our subject matter expert, bringing valuable expertise to the 82 Below project. Her company, Safe Water Engineering LLC, aims to identify, analyze, and combat contamination in drinking water through engineering and policy consulting.

Join Our Mission

Help us create a tool for Chicago residents and policy makers to learn and take action against lead contamination.

Contact Us