Pittsburgh is writing a playbook on lead pipe replacement, aiming to eliminate all toxic lines by 2027. In this episode, Will Pickering, CEO of Pittsburgh Water, and Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis of Women for a Healthy Environment reveal the strategy behind this national model. With over $200 million in federal grants and low-interest loans, the city has replaced 13,000 lead service lines at no cost to residents. Digitized records and GIS mapping pinpoint pipes for efficient, low-disruption replacements using copper threading. Community trust, rebuilt through transparent outreach and an advisory committee, drives participation. Naccarati-Chapkis ’s workshops target vulnerable neighborhoods, prioritizing kids and low-income areas. This blend of tech, funding, and engagement offers a roadmap for clean water nationwide. waterloop is a nonprofit news outlet exploring solutions for water sustainability. This episode was supported by Blue Conduit , the Environmental Defense Fund , and the Environmental Policy Innovation Center .
