In response to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission lifting the suspension of water shutoffs on March 31st, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority encourages its customers who are having difficulty paying their water or wastewater bill to call us at 412-255-2423 for help.
We view water shutoffs as a last resort and believe that all customers should have access to uninterrupted water service. It is our goal to help customers address any past due balances by enrolling in our customer assistance programs and getting onto a flexible, income-based payment plan to reduce your bill.
Recognizing that many of our customers may continue to face economic hardships due to COVID-19 or other unforeseen circumstances, we have expanded our customer assistance programs, including the addition of a forgiveness program for eligible customers enrolled in the Bill Discount Program and on an active payment plan with PWSA. If you need help paying your bill, are carrying a balance, or think that you may benefit from our assistance programs, we encourage you to call us to learn which options are right for you.
Flexible Payment Plans
We are offering payment plans to help customers at all income levels. Regardless of your income, you can be placed on a payment plan making it possible to pay your balance over time without accruing interest or paying additional fees. Even if you are a small business owner or other commercial customer, payment options are available.
Customer Assistance Programs
Bill Discount Program: Our most widely used program provides a discount of up to $35.78 each month. This is a 100% discount on the first 1,000 gallons of fixed water charges for customers at or below 150% of the FPL. An additional 20% reduction on water usage is also available for our most vulnerable customers enrolled in the program with an FPL at or below 50%.
Additionally, customers who are approved for the Bill Discount Program and are enrolled in an active payment plan with PWSA are eligible to receive a $15 reduction of their past due balance for every on-time monthly payment. This equals a monthly discount of $50.78.
Hardship Grant Program: Cash grants, up to $300 per year, are available through our Hardship Grant Program for water customers who are at or below 150% FPL. Our average household grant is approximately $285. Since 2018, we have helped more than 370 Pittsburgh households maintain water service.
Contact Us Today
Our PGH2O Cares team is available for those who need extra support. They are providing one-on-one assistance to describe our customer assistance programs, explain the benefits of enrolling, and work with customers to identify opportunities to reduce water usage and save money. You may email the PGH2O Cares team directly at pgh2ocares@pgh2o.com.
To learn more about payment plans and our customer assistance programs, please contact our Customer Service Department at 412-255-2423 or visit pgh2o.com/cap to see which program is right for you.
