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NOTICE

During the Veterans Day holiday, Dispatchers and Operations will be available to respond to water or sewer emergencies Wednesday, November 11. If you experience an emergency, please call our 24/7 Emergency Dispatch at 412-255-2423 (Press 1).

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  5. Water Wise: Help keep leaves & grass out of storm drains

Water Wise: Help keep leaves & grass out of storm drains

Autumn is here! Help protect and maintain our water and sewer infrastructure this season by reviewing PWSA's helpful tips.
leaves on the ground

Leaves and grass clippings can clog our storm drains and sewer pipes, blocking the flow of water and worsening flooding during heavy rains.

Please take the following precautions to help protect and maintain our water and sewer infrastructure this fall.

  • Don’t rake or blow leaves or grass clippings into the street or sidewalk.
  • Don’t dump yard waste or trash near or into storm drains.
  • Place your leaves in a bag for curbside yard debris collection or compost them at home.
  • If you have a mulching lawnmower, use it to recycle leaves and their nutrients into your lawn.
  • Fertilize lawns in the fall to prevent nutrients washing away during spring rains. Use slow-release and organic fertilizers, which are less likely to wash away.

If you see a clogged or broken storm drain, please call Dispatch at 412-255-2423 (Press 1). For more information, please visit our Storm Drains webpage.

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