Pittsburgh’s water issues affect the entire region

As a husband, father, and a resident of the Pittsburgh region, I am appalled that many of Pittsburgh’s elected leaders have been playing political football with the public health concerning the elevated levels of lead in parts of the drinking water system. The issue of safe drinking water is not just a Pittsburgh problem; it affects the entire region, and as an elected official of a neighboring municipality, I cannot remain silent.

Although much discussion has focused on the residents of the city of Pittsburgh, very little has actually been done in the last 10 months to replace the decrepit lead pipes or to improve the dangerous, leadladen water that exists at many locations. Pittsburgh residents, especially children and pregnant women, remain the most vulnerable, and they desperately need their leaders to step up and resolve this critical issue.

However, because Pittsburgh functions as a vital hub for the entire region, the potentially devastating long-term health risks of lead-leaching pipes reach far beyond the city limits. As president of the Ross Township Board of Commissioners, I am keenly aware that many of the 32,000 residents of Ross — including my own family — spend a substantial amount of time in the city, where they work, attend church, celebrate with social or sporting events, take classes at a college or simply visit friends. Pittsburgh’s workers and visitors should not have to worry about being poisoned by lead when spending time in the city.

The issue of clean, safe and lead-free water is not a left or right political issue. I hope we can all agree that it must be addressed immediately. I call on my fellow elected officials in the Pittsburgh region to urge Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto to consider all options for the fastest and safest permanent fix for the benefit of all in the region. JEREMY SHAFFER

Ross