The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority announced Friday that thanks to orthophosphate, lead levels in drinking water have decreased.

Since April 2019, the water authority explained, an additive called orthophosphate was introduced to coat the pipes and prevent lead from seeping into the water. Months later, test results show it’s been successful in lowering lead levels however; lead levels still remain above the federal threshold. 

In early June, the city of Pittsburgh announced a new agreement with the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) full of reforms and promises of a new kind of working relationship.

While the former agreement had expired as of July 5, the proposed agreement is still subject to Pittsburgh City Council approval. Council invited the public to weigh in on the proposal in the form of a public hearing on Tuesday. Although the turnout was modest, with only six speakers participating in public comment, most of those in attendance had a favorable view of the proposal and were hopeful about what it could mean for residents.

At Mayor Bill Peduto’s request last week, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority released a plan outlining what the next 12 years had in store.

As the city prepares its budget, water authority representatives testified to Pittsburgh City Council Monday of their plans for a billion dollars in infrastructure investment, which could require adding additional debt to the authority's balance sheet.

Amid excavators and hard hats on a dug up Greenfield Street, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto struck an optimistic tone on replacing the lead pipes that have shaped the city’s water politics since 2016.

Over the past year the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority has been racing to replace 2,100 lead lines throughout the city. Thanks to the $49 million Gov. Tom Wolf announced Wednesday, that goal became a little more feasible.

“These projects benefit public health, the environment, and support sustainable communities as we advance our shared goal of a clean and safe environment for our families to enjoy,” Wolf said.