PWSA has put customers in a terrible situation

Most Pittsburghers, at least the ones who keep up with current events, have known for many years the deteriorating condition of the city water system. Now, we are slapped with a large monthly rate increase on this most vital resource ( “Water Rates Are Going Up, Up, Up: PWSA’s Prices Surge to Pay for Upgrades,”Nov. 9).

What have the people in charge of our water been doing for the past so many years? If politics has been in play, it’s not a surprise.

Do you think that Duquesne Light or Peoples Gas would have let their systems fall into a state of disrepair? The answer is obvious, since they are committed to serving us with vital services.

A private entity with profit motives would not have allowed such a situation to occur. It’s about time the mayor and his staff make some important decisions. HARRY CHODER Squirrel Hill assured that they will be cut off from this Goliath’s hospitals and physicians.

The date of termination for in-network care, 2019, looms in the very near future and that includes those patients on Medicare: those individuals who are the likely to potentially need the services of these specialty hospitals.

The continued bickering between the UPMC and Highmark health systems is immoral and unconscionable and needs to end — If the two systems can’t agree that the health of the citizens of Pennsylvania is the most critical issue, then our lawmakers and courts need to ensure that they follow their Hippocratic oath. There should be no networks. All health plans should have access to all hospitals and physicians, period. DIANE KLEIN

Plum