Pittsburgh, PA - The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) encourages its water customers to sign up for free lead service line replacements through a dedicated, income-qualified program. The program, which will expire in February of 2021 or when funding runs out, provides free private lead service line replacements to those who meet income requirements. The process is simple and easy – those interested should call Dollar Energy Fund at 866-762-2348, to take advantage of this free service.
Dollar Energy Fund administers the program on our behalf. By calling them, a representative will verify income to determine if you fall within the income guidelines. They will review your income over the phone. Eligible customers participating in the program will enter into an agreement with PWSA allowing us to work on private property. The program includes necessary plumbing upgrades, a free pitcher filter, and post construction lead testing.
In January, we increased the threshold for qualification from 250% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to 300% FPL. This means that an individual making $38,280 or a family of four with a household income of $78,600 would qualify.
To begin the income qualification process, contact Dollar Energy Fund at 866-762-2348
Crews contracted by PWSA are incentivized to complete work with the least invasive methods possible. Using a “trenchless method”, workers can pull the old lead line out from underneath the ground while simultaneously replacing it with a copper line. After completing thousands of lead line replacements across Pittsburgh, 98% of them were completed using a trenchless method. When a PWSA-owned public lead line is found during the work, our crews will coordinate a full lead line replacement.
This program targets private lead service lines, which are normally the financial responsibility of homeowners
"For a limited time, eligible customers can have their lead line replaced on-demand and at no cost,” said PWSA Executive Director Will Pickering.
“We encourage our customers who think they may qualify to contact Dollar Energy Fund to begin the income qualification process – it is quick and easy,” he said.
Funds for this program are available from a settlement of an enforcement action between PWSA and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Approximately $700,000 remains in the fund. PWSA encourages anyone who thinks they may qualify to call Dollar Energy at 866-762-2348 to begin the process.
Other Resources from PWSA’s Community Lead Response
- Test your tap water for free. Kits can be requested at www.pgh2o.com/leadform or by calling our Lead Help Desk at 412.255.8987.
- Search the records we have for residential properties at lead.pgh2o.com. Some of the records are from the time of original construction and may be out-of-date, but it is useful to see if you may have a lead service line. A licensed plumber can also inspect the private line entering your home.
- If you think you have a lead service line, run your cold tap for at least one minute before using water for cooking or drinking. You can also use water filters certified to remove lead. Coupons for filters can be found here: http://lead.pgh2o.com/resources/lead-filters-and-other-products/
