March 2, 2026
Pittsburgh, PA - Pittsburgh Water announced today the publication of its 2025 Year In Review, a comprehensive overview of the utility’s progress over the last year, focused around improving water quality and reliability, modernizing infrastructure, expanding customer support programs, and placing an enhanced focus on safety.
The report documents a year marked by record-setting achievements, major capital construction milestones, and the continued advancement of the utility’s Water Reliability Plan.
“2025 was yet another year of Pittsburgh Water turning our commitments into real results for our customers,” said Chief Executive Officer Will Pickering. “From achieving historically low lead levels in our drinking water, to kicking off the construction phase of the ABC Project – the largest component of our Water Reliability Plan – our team remains focused on protecting our shared resources and reaching new heights in the delivery of safe, reliable water services now and for future generations.”
Report Highlights
Pittsburgh Water’s Year In Review provides a detailed explanation of key accomplishments and an overview of the work the utility’s more than 400 employees do throughout the year to maintain and modernize Pittsburgh’s water systems. The annual report aims to improve transparency and foster public trust in the organization. Key highlights discussed in the report include:
Water Quality
Pittsburgh Water certified a record-low lead level of just 2 parts per billion (ppb) in 2025 — the lowest ever recorded by the utility and far below the federal action level of 15 ppb. This achievement reflects the success of Pittsburgh Water’s continuously optimized water treatment process, including the use of the food-grade additive orthophosphate as a corrosion control measure. Additionally, the utility’s nationally recognized Community Lead Response celebrated the replacement of over 14,000 public-side and 10,500 private-side lead service lines since 2016.
Prioritizing Safety
The utility’s Safe People, Safe Water program launched in 2025, representing an organization‑wide focus on safety and efficiency, empowering employees and managers to identify and address safety issues, analyze root causes, and implement corrective actions. The report details how this safety-focused mindset is already delivering positive results for Pittsburgh Water employees and customers.
Infrastructure Milestones
2025 marked a significant year of construction and progress under the utility’s Water Reliability Plan (WRP) — a multiyear, $470 million initiative that represents the most substantial investment in Pittsburgh’s water system in over a century. Last year saw the substantial completion of the Highland Reservoir Pump Station, the start of construction on the $193 million ABC Project, and notable progress on sewer separation and stormwater improvements like the South Side Flats Sewer Separation Project and the Woods Run green infrastructure initiative.
Industry & Community Engagement
Pittsburgh Water deepened its commitment to transparency, community partnership, and customer education through more than 120 community meetings, immersive workshops, and expanded youth and educator programming. Pittsburgh Water also notably served as the local host organization for the U.S. Water Alliance’s One Water Summit in Pittsburgh, where the utility showcased national leadership in water quality improvements, equity-centered infrastructure planning, and community engagement.
Financial Stewardship
In 2025, Pittsburgh Water secured more than $95 million in low-interest loans and $35 million in grants, contributing to more than $860 million in PENNVEST loans and $147 million in grants received since 2018. These external resources reduce the financial burden on ratepayers while enabling critical infrastructure investments.
The Full Picture
Pittsburgh Water’s 2025 Year In Review is available now by visiting pgh2o.com/year-in-review.
