Recommendations for moving forward
Most people pay water bills, but according to the report, Black and Brown residents and lower income communities in Pittsburgh have been less likely to benefit from investments in water infrastructure to improve water quality.
“So where do we direct those utility dollars and where do we renew our water system infrastructure?” said Will Pickering, Chief Executive Officer of Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority. “For example, where do we replace lead lines and how do we do that in a way that’s equitable and takes into consideration different demographic factors?”
Pickering says because of Pittsburgh’s combined sewer system, rainfall can back up sewage into basements, especially in neighborhoods with fewer resources. Not only does it smell bad, but it is also an environmental health problem. Fumes can cause respiratory problems, and according to the report, might be a driving factor in the higher asthma rates in Pittsburgh’s lower
Pittsburgh Leaders And US Water Alliance Release Water Equity Roadmap
Report outlines strategies for equitable water management
Today, the US Water Alliance and Pittsburgh leaders representing Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, community-based organizations, and academia released An Equitable Water Future Pittsburgh. This report outlines strategies to advance five high-priority water equity priorities in Pittsburgh. The report is available online here.
An Equitable Water Future: Pittsburgh was collaboratively developed by the Pittsburgh Water Equity Taskforce, including leaders from Common Unity PGH, Neighborhood Allies, Our Water Campaign convened by Pittsburgh United, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, PolicyLink, University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Health Equity, the UrbanKind Institute, and Pittsburgh residents passionate about access to clean, affordable water.