Latest PWSA tests show lead levels dropping

The latest round of lead testing from the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority shows levels are dropping.

The PWSA

[ released the results of its June 2017 tests ]

, showing the city's lead levels at 15 parts per billion, which is what the EPA considers its action level.

That's down from 18 parts per billion in December and 22 parts per billion in June 2016.

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"I'm very happy to see the city's water meets the federal action level for lead, and that lead levels have now dropped for the second testing period in a row," Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto said in a statement.

Bob Weimar, PWSA interim director, told Channel 11 that the tests are a good example of the hard work being done by the utility to tackle several problems including elevated lead levels.

"What I'm looking for right now are the basic systems necessary to restore confidence in the PWSA," Weimar said.

Environmental group PennFuture CEO Larry Schweiger said plenty of work remains. Lead lines throughout Pittsburgh need to be replaced, a cost he believes should not fall on customers.

"The responsibility in my view needs to be on the sewer and water authority for the damage they've done to these old water lines and how it impacts the health of our children," Schweiger said.

The city has made replacing lead lines a priority, but it's a project Weimar says won't be cheap.

"In order for us to make up for the lack of investment in the past we're going to need to see increased amounts of spending. In order for us to pay for that there's going to need to be increasing rates," Weimar said.

Allegheny County Controller Chelsa Wagner issued the following statement regarding the release of the PWSA's lead testing results:

“The EPA, the Centers for Disease Control, and the American Academy of Pediatrics all agree that 15 ppb is nowhere near a safe level of lead in drinking water. The City should not seek to spin this dangerous result to justify its lack of action. The PWSA’s sampling included several tests showing many times the Lead Action Level. This sampling round also included significantly fewer tests than last year’s, and we continue to await transparency on how testing sites were selected.

“It is clear that any family that gets their water from a lead pipe remains at risk. A five-year timetable to even find all of the lead lines, and the lack of any meaningful discussion of a replacement plan at the City level, remains unacceptable.”

Stay with Channel 11 News and WPXI.com for continuing coverage.