Pittsburgh, PA – From May 4-10, 2025, Pittsburgh Water joins the American Water Works Association in celebrating Drinking Water Week, a national event highlighting the essential role of safe drinking water and the dedicated professionals who produce and distribute it every day.
This week-long observance is an opportunity to appreciate the local waterways throughout Pittsburgh including the Allegheny River, the source of the utility’s drinking water, and increase awareness of the science and infrastructure behind clean water. As part of this initiative, Pittsburgh Water reaffirms its unwavering commitment to delivering water that meets or exceeds all regulatory standards and encourages all to consider the importance of drinking water and healthy waterways to their lives.
“At Pittsburgh Water, every action we take is guided by a responsibility to safeguard the public health of our community now and in the future,” said Will Pickering, CEO of Pittsburgh Water. “Today’s investments to modernize our infrastructure, optimize the treatment process, and perform routine maintenance will protect the safety and reliability of water services for generations to come.”
To engage the next generation in conversations about water, Pittsburgh Water invites area youth to participate in a Drinking Water Week coloring contest. Kids ages 12 and under are invited to grab their crayons or colored pencils and creatively reflect on water’s role in their lives. Consider the living things that rely on water and explore themes of conservation, water protection, and the unseen infrastructure that supports the delivery of safe water. By encouraging the youngest residents, Pittsburgh Water hopes to inspire environmental stewards who will help to protect our vital water resources in the future.
Commitment to Water Quality and Water Reliability
Every year, Pittsburgh Water releases an annual Water Quality Report highlighting the results of the extraordinary efforts to consistently meet and outperform the highest safety standards. Pittsburgh’s drinking water boasts a clean bill of health.
With transparency as a cornerstone of Pittsburgh Water’s commitment to public health, timely water quality and regulatory compliance information is only a click away. Information such as a comprehensive water quality FAQ, and a treatment process explainer is available on their Water Quality and Treatment page, along with annual reporting.
To guarantee that Pittsburgh will have reliable water well into the future, the utility’s Water Reliability Plan represents a major investment to modernize their drinking water system and provide safe, uninterrupted service to customers. With nearly $470 million in upgrades, the plan strengthens water treatment, storage, and delivery infrastructure, including pump station improvements and the full replacement of the 44-million-gallon Clearwell, a key component in disinfection and the final step of the treatment process. By building system redundancy and resiliency, Pittsburgh Water is securing a reliable, sustainable water supply for generations to come.
Drinking Water Week Learning: How Pittsburgh's Water is Treated
Producing safe drinking water starts long before it reaches your tap! Pittsburgh Water sources its water from the Allegheny River. From the moment it flows into the Water Treatment Plant, it undergoes a meticulous treatment and testing process that includes a series of steps like screening, filtration, and disinfection. The treatment process is a fascinating process that transforms the raw water from the Allegheny River into safe, clean drinking water distributed to homes and businesses.
Pittsburgh Water’s team of experts conducts daily, continuous water quality testing in an accredited lab using samples and the aid of online monitoring instruments. Water is also tested throughout the distribution system, and experts analyze approximately 30 different compounds and microbial constituents before, during, and after treatment. This proactive approach, ultimately culminating in around 100,000 tests each year, proactively identifies potential contaminants and targets their removal, guaranteeing that Pittsburgh’s drinking water remains safe and reliable.
Each day, Pittsburgh Water produces around 65-70 million gallons of drinkable water. To learn more about the steps of the treatment process, watch A Water Drop's Journey: An Animated Exploration of Our Drinking Water Treatment Process.
Coloring Contest Details
To participate, simply submit a colorful drawing of either a Water Superhero or Supervillain or a favorite freshwater animal. The winning entry will be transformed into a custom plush toy, bringing the child’s artwork to life in a fun and memorable way. Submissions are accepted through May 10, with the winner announced on May 13.
- Water Superhero or Supervillain - Invent a superhero character that defends Pittsburgh’s waterways or a supervillain to highlight the challenges of pollution. Whether it’s a guardian of the streams, a princess of the waterways, or a villain with a mission to clog the sewers, made of fats, oils, and grease (FOG)s, the possibilities are endless and imagination is encouraged!
- Favorite Freshwater Animal - Draw a beloved creature that thrives in Pittsburgh's rivers and streams, from fish and frogs to salamanders.
For more information and to access the entry form for Pittsburgh Water's Drinking Water Week contest, visit their Drinking Water Week Coloring Contest page.
