Letter to the editor: Replacing lead pipes critical to health

As business manager of the Western Pennsylvania Operating Engineers Local 66, I’m proud to have our members replacing old and potentially dangerous lead pipes in the Pittsburgh Region.

It’s easy to take for granted basic necessities like clean air, drivable roads and safe water.

One such example is aging lead pipes that deliver us the water we use to drink, cook and clean. The dangers of lead exposure are well-documented; even trace amounts can cause short- and long-term health affects, especially to young children.

Many of the homes in the communities in and around Pittsburgh have pipes a century old. While regulations at both the federal and state level help protect our drinking water, homes with the oldest or damaged pipes are still vulnerable to lead leaching.

The good news is that public and private companies across the commonwealth are taking action on lead issues. Recently, Pennsylvania American Water announced that through a $1.6 million low-interest loan and a $3.3 million grant from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, the company will replace over 350 lead service lines in the city of Pittsburgh.

This effort is transformative for local families — providing the relief of knowing that infrastructure made of dangerous materials is nowhere near the water they drink.

As a father and husband, I see value in investing in our infrastructure. But replacing lead service lines isn’t just about infrastructure — it’s about preventing chronic illness, supporting child development and giving every Pennsylvanian the foundation they need to live a healthy life.

Jesse Direnna

O’Hara