Speakers urge Pittsburgh to keep water public as council holds hearing on Bill 1452

Pittsburgh City Council held a public hearing Feb. 3 on Bill 14-52, a proposed ordinance directing the Allegheny County Board of Elections to place a referendum on the May 2025 primary ballot asking whether the Pittsburgh Home Rule Charter should be amended to add an article affirming public ownership of potable water, wastewater and storm sewer systems and restricting their sale or lease to private entities.

The hearing drew a series of speakers who urged council to approve placing the measure before voters as a protection against future privatization and to preserve affordability, accountability and community oversight of water services. “One of the core principles of water justice is ensuring that everyone in our communities has access to safe, affordable water service that we all deserve,” said Gabrielle Gray, a Homewood resident and speaker, describing lead-line replacement work she received through public programs.

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