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 a Lead Response 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.
This episode was supported by Blue Conduit, the Environmental Defense Fund, and the Environmental Policy Innovation Center.
waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability. Visit https://www.waterloop.org/
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