Vice President Kamala Harris talks infrastructure and water pipes during Pittsburgh visit

PITTSBURGH — Vice President Kamala Harris traveled to Pittsburgh to talk infrastructure and the importance of removing and replacing lead water pipes.

She says investing in upgrades is crucial for public safety.

Pittsburgh has been in the process of replacing lead lines for years, but not without some controversy.

“We all believe that that all people have a right to be able to drink clean water,” said Harris.

Harris visited the Community Empowerment Association in Homewood to highlight the lead crisis plaguing neighborhoods across the U.S. Upwards of 24 million homes still have lead paint and 10 million have lead pipes.

The vice president applauded the Steel City’s efforts in the removal of lead lines, and said the actions of local leadership sparked the attention of the highest levels of government.

She says Pittsburgh has been a success story in making positive changes for the sake of all residents.

“The work that we do together will have a profound impact when we are coordinated. I want to thank everyone here for the work that you have been doing for years.”

The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority started replacing lead lines at no charge to customers back in 2016 after test results from the Department of Environmental Protection showed lead levels exceeding limits.

Then in 2017, the DEP fined the PWSA more than $2 million for high lead levels, and required them to use $1.8 million of the fine toward replacing partial lead service lines in the city.

The DEP referred the case to the state attorney general’s office.

Then in 2019, the attorney general’s office filed criminal charges against the PWSA for multiple violations of the Pennsylvania Safe Water Drinking Act.

The PWSA says their goal is to remove all lead lines over the next four years.

Today, Harris was joined by the EPA Secretary Michael Regan and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge, who announced a $520 million grant to address hazards in homes to help underserved communities.

“Too many children are lost every year to the devastating effects of lead,” said Fudge.

Harris said replacing the lead lines is a top priority for the sake of everyone’s health and well-being.

Right now, $50 billion in federal infrastructure funds are being used to make a difference, with$15 billion designated to removing lead pipes.

“Government has a responsibility to kick in and help put the resources in so that we can remove the lead,” said Harris.

Harris says she and President Joe Biden now aim to have all lead pipes removed across the U.S over the next 10 years.

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