PWSA celebrates removal of 10,000th lead service line

Feb. 27, 2023

Since the beginning of the Community Lead Response program in 2016, the Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority has replaced 10,000 public lead service lines and 6,900 private lead service lines.

Bruno Piggot, deputy assistant administrator for the EPA’s Office of Water, watches as crews replace lead service line on Hazelwood Avenue.

The Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority (PWSA) has celebrated the removal of its 10,000th lead service line.

State and local officials, community leaders, and members of the Community Lead Response team gathered on Hazelwood Avenue to reflect on the seven-year initiative and view the removal of the 10,000th lead service line on Friday, Feb. 24.

Joining PWSA’s CEO Will Pickering were Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania Austin Davis, Congresswoman Summer Lee, Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Water Bruno Piggot, Deputy Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) Robert Boos, Vice Chairman of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) Stephen DeFrank, Deputy Mayor of Pittsburgh Jake Pawlak, and other community leaders.

PWSA CEO Will Pickering addresses the crowd, flanked by local, state and federal leaders.

“This is a proud moment for PWSA and an accomplishment the Pittsburgh community can celebrate,” said PWSA CEO Will Pickering. “Removing 10,000 lead lines has taken years of dedicated work and support from federal, state, and local leaders. Reaching this milestone is an accomplishment we can all share, and we will not stop until all lead pipes are removed from our system.”

Since the establishment of PWSA’s Community Lead Response program in 2016, it has replaced 10,000 public lead service lines and over 6,900 private lead service lines. That represents a total of more than 59 miles of lead lines removed from Pittsburgh's water system. To date, PWSA has invested over $100 million on the removal of lead lines throughout its water service area.

The work featured on Hazelwood Avenue is part of PWSA’s annual water main replacement program. This work targets aging water mains and replaces any lead lines attached to those mains at no cost to the customer. The program is currently replacing approximately six miles of water mains and hundreds of lead lines through the water service area.

Funding through PENNVEST and other state or federal sources has allowed for the continued and aggressive replacement of lead service lines. Since 2018, PWSA has applied for and received over $152 million in PENNVEST funding, of which $19 million has been grants which do not have to be repaid. PENNVEST’s low-interest loans and grants are estimated to have saved ratepayers over $140 million.

“The PENNVEST State Revolving Fund project approvals for the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority lead line removal effort demonstrates our commitment to clean water, and strong communities to serve the people of Pennsylvania,” said Robert Boos, Deputy Executive Director for PENNVEST’s Project Management. “These projects benefit public health, the environment, and support sustainable communities as we advance our shared goal of a clean and safe environment for our families to enjoy, both now and for future generations.”

"I want to congratulate PWSA for reaching this tremendous milestone," said Mayor Ed Gainey. "Replacing these lead lines is about making sure that our water supply is safe for families today and for generations to come."