The West End has some of the oldest combined water and sewer infrastructure in Pittsburgh, with drinking water lines averaging around 80 years old and some sewer lines dating back as early as 1840. Much of this buried system was built with materials that deteriorate over long periods of time, which can lead to reduced water reliability, sewer overflows, structural defects, and increased maintenance needs. To ensure the neighborhood’s long‑term health and resilience, Pittsburgh Water is making significant investments to revitalize both the sewer and drinking water systems in the West End. 

For the sewer system, rehabilitation work includes trenchless repairs such as Cured‑in‑Place Pipe (CIPP) lining, which strengthens aging pipes and reduces the need for large excavations. CIPP lining creates a “pipe within a pipe,” sealing cracks and improving flow while extending the sewer’s lifespan by up to 50 years. Alongside lining, the project includes targeted excavated repairs and selective replacement of aging components. For drinking water, the project consists of installing new water mains, hydrants, public service lines, and valves, with full restoration of the impacted streets and sidewalks. Altogether, these combined upgrades will help reduce service interruptions, improve water pressure and quality, minimize sewer backups, and enhance long‑term neighborhood infrastructure reliability.