Congressman Deluzio Announces $32,000,000 to Clean Drinking Water, Remove Lead Pipes

CARNEGIE, PA — Today, Congressman Deluzio announced $32,058,100 in federal funds for the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority to remove lead pipes across the City of Pittsburgh and in the Borough of Millvale. This funding, approved by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST), comes from President’s Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which passed into law in 2021. 

“Any level of lead exposure puts all of us, especially our kids, at risk,” said Rep. Deluzio. “We need to make sure that everyone can get drinking water that is clean, safe, and lead-free. I’m proud to have a hand in bringing home these federal funds to help Millvale remove dangerous lead pipes, conserve water, and give the people of this community the clean and safe drinking water we all need.”  

This project seeks to eliminate high lead exposure, purify water systems, and reduce water waste. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, exposure to lead can have serious and long-term health impacts—especially for children. Communities slated for these drinking water infrastructure investments, including the Borough of Millvale in the 17th Congressional District, currently experience high lead levels in their water supply due to the presence of lead-based pipes transferring drinking water. Today, residents in these communities are recommended to flush their water source daily to reduce lead levels and purify their water supply. This project will eliminate this recommendation for Millvale and other communities across the City of Pittsburgh.

The $32,058,100 in total funding comes from two streams: a $18,278,381 PENNVEST loan and a grant of $13,779,719. The use of the word “grant” within this release is defined as a principal forgiveness loan, which does not require repayment. The use of the word “loan” is equivalent to a bond purchase.  

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