PWSA contractor crews installing a new water main.

PWSA was recently awarded a $37.3 million funding package from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) for Small Diameter Water Main Replacement projects.

These projects will improve water reliability and safety through the replacement of approximately four miles of aging or undersized water mains in two Pittsburgh neighborhoods. In line with PWSA’s role to protect public health, we’ll replace any lead service lines encountered as part of the replacement work at no cost to the customer.

The funding package is split between $2.5 million in grants, which do not need to be repaid, and $34.8 million in low-interest loans. Over time, funding from state and federal partners helps to reduce the cost to ratepayers during a period of unprecedented investment in our essential water systems. Construction will take place in Brighton Heights and Squirrel Hill South from the spring of 2024 through mid-2025. Under this contract, we’ll replace any lead service lines found at the 621 locations we’ll touch as part of water main replacement efforts.

Since 2018, PWSA has received from PENNVEST a combination of $619 million in low-interest loans and $48 million in grants, totaling $667 million. As a publicly owned and operated water utility, every dollar we receive is reinvested back into the water systems that serve our communities.