After decades of disinvestment and neglect of its water infrastructure, Pittsburgh is one of an overwhelming number of municipalities across the country facing a health and safety challenge due to lead in its water system. The City and the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority are committed to solving this problem through our Safe Water Plan. This plan starts with the distribution of lead filters for drinking water, and will continue with a full revamping of our water system.
The first phase of the Safe Water plan was announced in April, which is the process for obtaining free water filters and lead test kits for all City residents. Information on obtaining them can be found at www.pittsburghpa.gov/safepgh2o.
The Safe Water website will keep you appraised of the City’s efforts, so check back frequently for new updates and additional information.
All residents of the City of Pittsburgh and Millvale who are interested in testing their water may request a test kit using the form below. In addition, filters will be made available to the general public.
Residents in the City who will be receiving partial lead service line replacements done by PWSA will have filters provided to them. PWSA will notify those residents prior to work commencing. There is no need for residents receiving partial lead service line replacements to request filters through this website, as the filters will be automatically provided to them.
There are approximately 7,000 households in the City of Pittsburgh with a child under 6 in the home. The Safe Water Program has identified over 300 family health centers, pediatricians, assistance offices, and childcare providers, and will be distributing filters directly to those providers to make sure that they can get into the hands of the most vulnerable as quickly as possible. Organizations who work with expectant mothers and children and are willing to distribute filters should call 3-1-1.
Like many older cities, the City of Pittsburgh has a significant number of lead service lines. If you believe your home may have lead, here are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to lead in your water: Run your water to flush out lead; Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula
Do not boil water to remove lead – boiling water will not reduce lead.
