Pittsburgh to Treat Its Water with Orthophosphates Due to Lower Lead Levels

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Pittsburgh to Treat Its Water with Orthophosphates Due to Lower Lead Levels

Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) is expected to begin treating its water with a type of chemical called orthophosphate to lower lead levels by the end of March.

Last December, PWSA released results from its most recent compliance testing for lead required by state and federal regulations today. The results showed that the lead lines exceed the federal lead action level of 15 parts per billion. Yet, the state hadn't approved the addition of orthophosphate sooner, which is why the treatment should begin a few months late. 

Orthophosphates create a physical barrier within distribution lines to prevent metals such as lead and copper from leaching into water; PWSA intends to use phosphoric acid. Pennsylvania American Water has treated its water with zinc orthophosphate for decades, according to a company spokesperson which is the reason why Penn American has never violated the federal regulation about lead and copper in water, WESA reports.

Read more about PWSA infrastructure management and water treatment policy on WESA, Pittsburgh's NPR News Station.

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