“The City of Pittsburgh is extremely proud of the progress PWSA has made to reduce lead levels and supports their commitment to remove all lead service lines from their drinking water system,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey. “Funding from the American Rescue Plan Act ensures this vital work will continue to revitalize homes and neighborhoods – ensuring Pittsburgh residents have access to safe, clean drinking water.”
The most recent testing shows that 93 percent of water samples taken show lead levels 5 ppb or lower. This is an 11 percent improvement from last regulatory testing period.
Orthophosphate as Corrosion Control
In April 2019, PWSA began adding orthophosphate to reduce lead levels in drinking water while continuing to replace thousands of lead service lines. Orthophosphate is a food-grade additive that forms a protective layer inside of lead service lines, creating an anti-corrosive barrier between the lead pipes and the water flowing through them. It is approved by the EPA and successfully used in water systems across the world. Orthophosphate was selected by PWSA and approved by DEP after an extensive, year-long study of treatment alternatives.
Since PWSA came back into full compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule in July of 2020, it has been working closely with national water quality experts to further optimize the water treatment process to maintain low lead levels. Over 60 samples are taken from around the system every week, including lead monitoring stations, hydrants, and controlled testing points. Analysts look at lead levels, as well as orthophosphate and pH levels and other markers that influence overall water quality.
PWSA plant and field operators, water quality experts, engineers, and data managers also constantly review information collected in the field to ensure that PWSA’s drinking water meets all state and federal regulations.
2022 Lead Programs
PWSA is pursuing several targeted programs in 2022. All planned water main and service line replacement work for the year is being financed with assistance from state and federal programs, like the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) and the 2021 American Rescue Plan. PWSA says that these programs will save its ratepayers an estimated $77 million in 2022. The following programs kicked off this calendar year:
2022 Neighborhood Lead Service Line Replacement
The City of Pittsburgh approved and provided $17 million to PWSA from the American Rescue Plan to target lead service line replacement. Construction crews will move through neighborhoods quickly and efficiently, replacing any lead service lines they discover. Funding is anticipated to replace approximately 725 lead service lines. Work began in spring of this year.
Small Diameter Water Main Replacement
Water main replacements continue throughout PWSA’s service area, replacing aging infrastructure and lead lines. This project will improve water reliability and safety by replacing approximately eight miles of new water main and 900 service lines. Additional water main replacement will be announced later in summer 2022.
Reimbursement Program
PWSA will assist customers with the cost of private lead service line replacement if customers choose to proactively hire a plumber and complete the work. In partnership with Dollar Energy Fund, PWSA will verify income and determine the level of reimbursement provided to customers.
