While WASA had been aware of the problem for nearly two years, most city residents had no idea that their water might be unsafe until the Post story appeared. "I was furious right away," said Festa, who at the time was pregnant with her first child and was under activity restrictions due to complications with her pregnancy. "Here I was trying so hard to be careful, but no matter how careful I was, there was this big unknown. I shouldn't have had to worry about the water being safe."

Just a short distance away, Haase-Webb, the mother of a toddler and pregnant with her second child, had been asked by WASA to participate in a water testing program but was given no indication that there might be a problem. She was shocked to learn later that the water from her tap showed elevated lead levels nearly 20 times the federal limit.

"I felt a deep sense of betrayal," said Haase-Webb. "I had to do something about it for my own sense of sanity."

The two women began sharing their concerns and information with other mothers and expectant mothers via a list serve associated with Mothers on the Hill, a parent support group. In just two weeks, Festa, Haase-Webb and several other mothers organized a community meeting that featured officials from the water authority, the city health department and the city council. It was attended by about 200 community residents. One mother contacted and secured speakers, another found the meeting location, and still others worked on publicity and turning out the audience.

Soon after, the mothers were meeting with and providing information to U.S. Senators in preparation for a Congressional hearing on the issue. "I never did anything like that before. I had never talked to an elected official about an issue. I am the shyest person in the world. If I can do this, anyone can" Festa said.

Haase-Webb was invited to testify before a District committee. "I had never even attended a city council meeting before," said Haase-Webb. "Sure, I was nervous, but I also felt empowered."

Their collective efforts have started to pay off. Festa says that lead pipes are now being replaced at a speedier pace, more testing is being done, a task force has been set up, and policies to improve communication and public education are being adopted.

The pipes in Haase-Webb's neighborhood were among the first to be replaced. She attributes this to the vocal and persistent advocacy of neighborhood residents. Festa has continued her advocacy efforts even though the lead level in her drinking water proved to be much lower than many others.

"Just because it doesn't affect me directly now doesn't mean we won't be affected later," said Festa. "Besides, you want your whole community to be strong and healthy."

The two women offered these tips to other parents seeking to affect change in their communities:

• Find an issue you care deeply about and then learn all you can.
• If you are not confident about your ability to really make a difference, keep reminding yourself why you need to take action. "I think moms have a tough time asking for something for themselves. If you keep your eye on why you're doing it --namely, your child or someone else's child -- it's much easier," said Festa.
• Seek out allies and support. "Mothers are very busy people," said Haase-Webb. "I haven't been able to do as much since my baby was born, but that's okay. Others stepped up to contribute."
• Don't be intimidated. "They (public officials) can't afford to ignore a group of mothers," Festa said. "A group of mothers is a strong political force."