Rep. Arvind Venkat: New infrastructure means healthier families, healthier Pa.

As an emergency physician and current state legislator, I’ve spent my career serving Pennsylvanians and supporting them in a lifelong journey to live healthy, fulfilling lives.

We know that eating nutritious foods and exercising regularly is important. Practicing good hygiene — brushing your teeth, washing your hands, and keeping clean — should be part of your daily routine, too. And of course, mental health is integral to our overall well-being, and it’s important that everyone receives the support they need.

In the doctor’s office and in our state capital, I’ve seen how governmental decisions directly impact health outcomes for all of us. For better or for worse, our health is not merely determined by the choices we make as individuals. As such, we must confront the health risks that hide in plain sight.

One such example is aging lead pipes that deliver the water we use to drink, cook and clean in our homes. The dangers of lead exposure are well-documented. Even small amounts can pose challenges, including short-term and long-term impacts to several body systems, especially those of young children. Many of the communities we live in right here around Pittsburgh and across the state are centuries-old, and unfortunately, many homes in our region still have lead or galvanized steel pipes, which were commonly used in the past.

While regulations at both the federal and state levels help ensure the treatment and quality standards for our drinking water, homes with lead pipes are still vulnerable to the elements leaching into their taps.

Rightly so, families are nervous about having lead anywhere near their drinking water. And here’s the good news: the state government and private companies across Pennsylvania are taking direct action on these lead service line issues.

In June of this year, 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 (PENNVEST), the company will replace over 350 lead service lines right here in Allegheny County. 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 each day.

The West View Water Authority (WVWA), which supplies water to over 200,000 Pennsylvanians including for many of the communities I serve, also has a robust effort in place to remove these lead or galvanized steel lines. WVWA was a recipient of a similar PENNVEST grant focused on lead in 2024 for the replacement of lead service lines in McKees Rocks.

Providers like Pennsylvania American Water and West View Water Authority treat water to prevent corrosion of service lines and household plumbing, helping to prevent lead leaching into the water. Still, public health experts and state regulators agree that the full replacement of these lines is the best path forward.

As the first physician elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly in nearly 60 years, I see this issue from both the exam room and the State House. I’ve seen firsthand how public health investments deliver immediate benefits and how infrastructure improvements pay off over the long term.

Replacing lead service lines is about preventing chronic illness, supporting child development, and giving every Pennsylvanian the foundation they need to live healthier, more secure lives.

Democratic State Rep. Arvind Venkat, M.D., represents the 30th District.