Pittsburgh Water announced a historic milestone this week, saying that they have reached a historic low in lead levels in water.\u00a0<\/p>\n
According to Pittsburgh Water, the most recent round of testing certified a lead level of 2.0 parts per billion, which is the lowest level ever recorded in the city.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Achieving a result of 2.0 [parts per billion] is not only a testament to the success of our nationally recognized Community Lead Response, but also a reflection of the commitment and devotion our team has shown to delivering safe, clean drinking water to every customer we serve,” said Pittsburgh Water CEO Will Pickering.<\/p>\n
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection certified the most recent test, which was conducted in accordance with the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Cooper Rule Revisions.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This result is well below the 15.0 parts per billion federal action level set by the EPA.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In 2019, Pittsburgh added the food-grade additive orthophosphate, which forms a protective barrier that minimizes the risk for lead to enter tap water, including in homes that still have lead service lines.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Pittsburgh’s test took samples from homes that still have lead service lines, which Pittsburgh Water said helped provide a clear picture of the system’s performance in high-risk areas.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“We’ve made tremendous progress, but our work isn’t done,” Pickering said. “We remain focused on replacing the remaining lead lines and ensuring every Pittsburgh resident has access to safe, high-quality water.”<\/p>\n