As part of the new rate structure, effective January 12, and our continuing transition to regulation by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) introduced changes to residential and commercial permitting fees to simplify and standardize water, sewer, and stormwater costs. The changes come after a comprehensive 2021 fee study that evaluated the labor and material costs associated with our permitting functions and best practices across the industry.

The 2022 fee changes include eliminating tapping fees (EDU fees), establishing new application fees, and reducing operation fees. The elimination of tapping fees aims to incentivize affordable housing and small business development by lowering the initial cost of water and sewer connections and achieving a more predictable outcome.  

Along with the fee changes, we have launched the second phase of our online permitting portal to include development permits and waterline shuts. CityGrows offers enhancements to the permitting process, including a 24/7 user dashboard, email notifications, a chat feature, and payment by credit card. To access the new permitting portal, please visit https://go.citygrows.com/pwsa.

Through these initiatives, we hope to improve the services provided to our customers, reduce permitting application review times, and continue to enhance our business relations with current and prospective developers.