Chicago engineer gains support for lead-reduction water technology

Michael Ramos, a Chicago Public Schools engineer, created the Noah System to combat lead contamination in drinking water after concerns arose following the Flint water crisis. The device automatically flushes water fountains every three hours, preventing lead buildup in stagnant pipes—a common issue in aging infrastructure. Chicago has more lead service lines than any other U.S. city, and full replacement could take decades, making Ramos’ solution a critical interim fix. The Noah System has been installed in multiple Chicago and suburban schools, as well as residential properties. Testing in some locations showed lead levels dropped to nondetectable levels after installation. Ramos built the device during nights and weekends, emphasizing its role as a low-cost, immediate solution while long-term infrastructure upgrades proceed. The technology recently gained official support by being selected as one of seven startups in Chicago’s Sustainable Water Tech Accelerator. The program provides funding and mentorship to help scale innovative water solutions. Ramos and his team are now focusing on expanding the system’s capabilities, including remote monitoring for schools to track multiple devices efficiently. The goal remains clear: protect children and families from lead exposure while communities work toward permanent infrastructure fixes. Ramos highlights that automated flushing offers a practical, cost-effective alternative until lead service lines can be fully replaced across the city.