Pittsburgh, state leaders propose changes to help limit children's exposure to lead

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania leaders came together Tuesday to propose several plans to help limit children’s exposure to lead.

Among the proposals was Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Deb Gross’ plan to give water filters to all schools and childcare centers, as well as all families with children who are 6 years old and under. She wants the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority to pay for them.

RELATED: Councilwoman calls on PWSA to provide water filters for customers amid lead concerns

The goal is to provide immediate help while the PWSA finds and replaces lead service lines across the city.

RELATED: PWSA plans multimillion-dollar project to fix lead issues

"That will take years, and right now, kids are at risk. So I think this is the appropriate place to be talking about doing this,” Gross said.

Sen. Wayne Fontana, meanwhile, gave his support to a bill that would require districts to test for lead annually.

"We're obviously on the state level trying to put some pressure on and requirements that they do it. Not only that they do it, but that they post the results of it,” Fontana said.

Gross said she is hoping a partnership between the city and several different agencies and nonprofits will help pay for the filters. It’s a plan that has Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto’s support.

Cox Media Group