In 2012, the private water corporation Veolia secured a contract to manage the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA), claiming that it could save the utility money and help it run more "efficiently." The corporation managed the PWSA for over three years.

Under Veolia's management, the corrosion control chemical used to prevent lead contamination was switched to a cheaper alternative without receiving the required Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) approval, violating state regulations. Now, the city is in the midst of a lead crisis, while Veolia walked away with $11 million from its management contracts.

Meanwhile, not only were people in Pittsburgh put at risk of health problems associated with lead exposure, ranging from neurological damage to cardiovascular issues -- the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority and ratepayers now have to  foot the bill for the expensive lead service line replacements mandated by the DEP. We must hold Veolia accountable for its role in the lead crisis and ensure justice for Pittsburgh residents!

Veolia received over $11 million in payments over the course of its contract in Pittsburgh, and has left the utility (and ratepayers) to foot the bill for the expensive lead service line replacements now mandated by the DEP as a result of its reckless mismanagement. We must hold Veolia accountable and ensure justice for Pittsburgh residents!