University Hospital is offering free lead screenings to Newark residents amid the city’s water crisis.

The screenings were held at the hospital on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The hospital will continue to offer the screenings for the next several Saturdays for adults and children living in affected zip codes.

An appointment is required and residents are asked to bring proof of their address.

Thousands of people have been urged to use bottled water after tests in two homes with filters showed high levels of lead. The city of Newark advised all residents who live in the Pequannock service area who have lead service lines to use bottled water for drinking, cooking and preparing baby formula while additional testing is done.

The hospital is hoping residents take advantage of free screenings. The goal is to screen a few hundred people over the next few weeks.

“Because you don't want lead toxicity,” says Frankin Hickey. “It can cause issues with memory, neuro issues so that's why we think it's very important to proactively get out and test patients.”

The Newark Water Coalition is also giving out free bottled water at St. Lucy's Church on Seventh Avenue in Newark. Bottled water should be used for drinking, cooking and making baby formula.

Concerned residents filed a lawsuit in federal court, demanding officials provide residents with a safe water supply. The lawsuit comes after filters given to residents weren't as effective as officials thought.