Pittsburgh Water Expands Customer Assistance Programs to Support More Households

Income-based discounts and new billing protections help keep water service affordable for thousands of Pittsburgh families

 

March 25, 2026

Pittsburgh, PA 

Pittsburgh Water is expanding its Customer Assistance Program to provide greater financial relief and new billing protections for thousands of households across the region. The enhanced program is part of the utility’s recently approved rate settlement with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) and reflects Pittsburgh Water’s continued focus on keeping essential water services affordable.

The updates build upon previously established benefits by incorporating income-based discounts on volumetric charges — further supporting Pittsburgh Water’s most vulnerable customers while maintaining reliable water, wastewater, and stormwater services for the region.

“Affordable water service is essential for every household,” said Will Pickering, CEO of Pittsburgh Water. “While most residential customers will see a modest change in their monthly bill, we’ve been very intentional about protecting affordability for families who need assistance the most. These improvements ensure that thousands of customers will see little to no increase in their bills, and in some cases even a decrease.”

Expanded Support for Low-Income Households

Pittsburgh Water’s Bill Discount Program, first introduced in 2018, provides income-based discounts to help qualifying customers manage the cost of water, wastewater conveyance, and stormwater services. Over 9,000 customers are currently enrolled, and the program continues to grow as more households learn about the assistance available.

Under the enhanced program:

  • Customers with incomes at or below 50% of the Federal Poverty Level will now receive a 70% discount, increased from the previous 60%.
  • A new 30% discount will be available for customers earning between 50.1% and 100% of the Federal Poverty Level.
  • Customers earning between 100.1% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level will receive fixed monthly bill credits in preparation for rate structure changes to take effect in 2027.

Customers enrolled in the program will also continue to receive the first 1,000 gallons of water and wastewater service for free each month, along with an 85% discount on stormwater charges and a 50% discount of the PENNVEST loan repayment charge.

What This Means for Customers

For a typical residential customer using 3,000 gallons of water per month, the approved 2026 rates result in an increase of about $15 per month.

However, customers enrolled in the Customer Assistance Program will see significantly smaller impacts:

  • Customers earning at or below 50% of the Federal Poverty Level will see an increase of about $0.13 per month.
  • Customers earning between 50.1% and 100% of the Federal Poverty Level will see an average decrease of about $7.43 per month
  • Customers earning between 100.1% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Level will see an increase of about $0.83 per month.

“These changes were designed to make sure customers facing the greatest financial pressures are protected,” Pickering said.

Additional Customer Protections

The settlement also strengthens other programs designed to help customers avoid unexpected costs.

Pittsburgh Water’s Line Repair and Water Conservation Program, first piloted in 2023, will now become a permanent offering. The program provides free plumbing repairs and installation of water-saving devices for eligible households.

A new leak credit will also help customers manage unexpected bills caused by water leaks. Customers who repair a leak and sign up for free usage alerts may qualify for reduced charges tied to high water usage. To send a request, visit www.pgh2o.com/leak-credit-request.

Continuing to Invest in Reliable Water Service

The approved rates support Pittsburgh Water’s ongoing investments to modernize aging infrastructure and maintain safe, reliable service for nearly half a million people across the region.

Those investments include replacing aging water and sewer lines, removing lead service lines, and improving stormwater infrastructure throughout the city.

“Providing safe, reliable water service today while investing in the future of our system requires careful balance,” Pickering said. “This settlement allows us to continue making those critical improvements while expanding support for customers who need it most.”

Learn More and Apply

Pittsburgh Water encourages customers who may qualify for the Customer Assistance Program to apply. Expanded eligibility means thousands of additional households may now be able to receive help with their water bills.

For more information about eligibility and enrollment, visit www.pgh2o.com/CAP.