Pittsburgh’s Playbook for Replacing All Lead Pipes

Pittsburgh is writing a playbook on lead pipe replacement, aiming to eliminate all toxic lines by 2027.

In this episode, Will Pickering, CEO of Pittsburgh Water, and Michelle McCarty of Women for a Healthy Environment reveal the strategy behind this national model.

With over $200 million in federal grants and low-interest loans, the city has replaced 13,000 lead service lines at no cost to residents. Digitized records and GIS mapping pinpoint pipes for efficient, low-disruption replacements using copper threading.

Community trust, rebuilt through transparent outreach and an advisory committee, drives participation. McCarty’s workshops target vulnerable neighborhoods, prioritizing kids and low-income areas.

This blend of tech, funding, and engagement offers a roadmap for clean water nationwide.

waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability.

This episode was supported by Blue Conduit, the Environmental Defense Fund, and the Environmental Policy Innovation Center.