Pittsburgh – Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) serves over 250,000 residents across 80 square miles in Allegheny County through a complex water system that includes approximately 1,300 miles of water mains, four water treatment plants, and multiple pumping and storage facilities. The system delivers roughly 80 million gallons daily from three river watersheds that converge in downtown Pittsburgh – the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers.
Pittsburgh draws its drinking water from these three major rivers, each with distinct water chemistry and quality characteristics. The city’s water system operates under an Amended Consent Order due to past regulatory violations, requiring comprehensive infrastructure investments and operational improvements. Since 2018, PWSA has implemented significant upgrades including lead service line replacement programs, corrosion control optimization, and advanced monitoring systems. The authority’s commitment to transformation focuses on both water quality improvements and community engagement, addressing the legacy challenges of a historic industrial city while meeting modern water quality standards.
Pittsburgh Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Latest Testing Results
- Lead Levels: The most recent testing period (January-December 2023) showed 90th percentile lead levels of 6.8 parts per billion (ppb), below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, reflecting improved corrosion control and ongoing service line replacements.
- Testing Scope: PWSA conducts over 20,000 water quality tests annually, including enhanced lead monitoring at high-risk residential sites and comprehensive testing across all four treatment plants.
- Compliance Status: Pittsburgh’s water meets all federal and state drinking water standards under the terms of the Amended Consent Order, with ongoing improvements to maintain compliance.
Three Rivers Water Supply
- Allegheny River: Primary source (60% of supply) with generally good water quality and lower turbidity, serving Highland No. 1 and No. 2 treatment plants.
- Monongahela River: Secondary source (30% of supply) with higher natural mineral content, serving Bruecken Water Treatment Plant in West Mifflin.
- Ohio River: Emergency backup source (10% when needed) serving Hays Water Treatment Plant, used during high river flows on primary sources.
Treatment Modernization
- Enhanced Coagulation: Upgraded chemical treatment processes at all plants to improve removal of organic compounds and improve water clarity.
- Corrosion Control: Optimized orthophosphate dosing system implemented across all plants to minimize lead and copper leaching from distribution system.
- Advanced Monitoring: Real-time water quality monitoring with online turbidity, chlorine, and particle counters at all treatment facilities.
Lead Service Line Initiative
- Private Line Replacement: Free lead service line replacement for property owners, with over 2,500 lines replaced since 2019.
- Lead Service Line Inventory: Comprehensive mapping and records review identified approximately 18,000 confirmed or suspected lead service lines throughout the system.
- Target Replacement Rate: Current program replaces 1,000-1,500 lead service lines annually, with goals to accelerate based on available funding.
Community Engagement and Transparency
PWSA has transformed its approach to community engagement following the 2016-2018 lead in water crisis, implementing extensive outreach programs, monthly public meetings, and proactive customer notifications. The authority provides free water testing, filter distribution, and educational resources while maintaining transparency through real-time water quality dashboards and detailed compliance reporting. Pittsburgh’s water improvement journey demonstrates how utilities can rebuild public trust through accountability, investment, and sustained community engagement while addressing the complex challenges of aging water infrastructure in a post-industrial city.
Recommendations for Pittsburgh Residents
Request Line Replacement
Check if your property has a lead service line using PWSA’s online lookup tool at pgh2o.com/lead. Apply for free lead service line replacement if your property is identified as having lead connections.
Get Free Filters
PWSA provides free NSF-certified water filters to residents upon request. Order filters online at pgh2o.com or call customer service at 412-255-2423 to have them delivered to your home.
Test Your Water
Schedule free water testing through PWSA by calling 412-255-2423 or visiting pgh2o.com. Testing is especially important for homes with children, pregnant women, or known lead service lines.
Flush Before Use
If water has been sitting in pipes for 6+ hours, run cold water for 2-3 minutes before drinking or cooking. Always use cold water for consumption to minimize potential lead exposure.
Stay Informed
Sign up for PWSA alerts at pgh2o.com to receive water quality notifications, maintenance updates, and service interruption notices. Review monthly water quality reports and attend public meetings for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pittsburgh’s water safe to drink now?
Yes, Pittsburgh’s water meets all federal and state drinking water standards. Following the 2016-2018 lead crisis, PWSA has implemented significant improvements including:
• Optimized corrosion control reducing lead levels
• Extensive lead service line replacement program
• Enhanced water treatment processes
• Comprehensive water quality monitoring
Current lead levels (6.8 ppb) are well below EPA action levels. However, homes with lead service lines or older plumbing should still use certified filters for drinking and cooking water as an additional precaution.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
PWSA maintains a public database of all service line materials. You can:
1. Check your address at pgh2o.com/lead
2. Request an inspection by calling 412-255-2423
3. Inspect your service line (usually in basement near meter). Lead pipes are dull gray, soft enough to scratch with a key, and non-magnetic
PWSA has identified approximately 18,000 confirmed or suspected lead service lines and offers free replacement for qualifying properties. Contact PWSA to apply for the replacement program if your line contains lead.
What is the Amended Consent Order?
The Amended Consent Order is a legal agreement between PWSA, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and the EPA. It requires PWSA to:
• Implement corrosion control treatment
• Replace lead service lines
• Conduct enhanced water quality monitoring
• Provide customer notifications and assistance
• Make infrastructure improvements
The order ensures regulatory compliance and provides oversight for ongoing water quality improvements. PWSA reports quarterly on progress and must meet specific milestones, with violations subject to financial penalties. This framework has driven significant improvements since its implementation in 2019.
Why does Pittsburgh water sometimes taste different?
Pittsburgh uses water from three different rivers, each with distinct characteristics:
• Allegheny River: Generally softer with less mineral content
• Monongahela River: Higher mineral content, may taste harder
• Ohio River: Used as backup during high flows on other rivers
Taste variations occur when PWSA switches between sources based on water quality and availability. Seasonal changes in chlorine levels may also affect taste. All variations meet safety standards. If you prefer filtered water, any NSF-certified carbon filter will improve taste while maintaining safety.
Contaminants of Concern
Lead
Source: Lead service lines and older plumbing fixtures in homes built before 1987; Pittsburgh has approximately 18,000 confirmed or suspected lead service lines
Health Effects: Developmental delays in children, reduced IQ, learning difficulties, kidney problems, cardiovascular effects in adults
Current Levels: 90th percentile value of 6.8 ppb, below EPA action level of 15 ppb EPA Limit: Action level 15 ppb, but no level of lead is considered safe
Disinfection Byproducts
Source: Form when chlorine used for disinfection reacts with naturally occurring organic matter in the three rivers
Health Effects: Potential increased risk of bladder cancer and reproductive effects with long-term exposure to elevated levels
Current Status: Monitored closely throughout the system; maintained well below EPA limits but may vary seasonally and by source water
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