As Pittsburgh Combats Water Issues, It Invites Federal Scrutiny

In the latest development in a water quality situation that is rapidly becoming beleaguered, a Pittsburgh utility has come under federal scrutiny.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette last week reported that a city treatment plant has received a “close look” from state and federal regulators. As the city overcomes issues with contamination from issues as far ranging as lead and bird poop, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) has welcomed the scrutiny.

“Both the authority and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection [DEP] invited the review, which will be carried out this week by the DEP and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, PWSA interim executive director Robert Weimar said,” per the Post-Gazette. “He said PWSA welcomes the analysis of operations as it tackles shortcomings in its overall infrastructure.”

The review is taking place at a treatment plant in Aspinwall, where the city has maintained a operations since the late 1800s. Regulators will interview with managers and operators.

“We really welcome the support of DEP and EPA to provide citizens the best possible water we can, and to make sure any investments we’re making are the right investments,” Weimar said. “[We hope this provides] a good yardstick by which we can continue to improve the plant operations and provide the staff the support they need.”

This appears to be one part of an effort to turn things around in Pittsburgh, which continues to fight back against persistent problems in its water and sewer systems.

“PWSA is working on a variety of system improvements after years of what city officials have termed lackluster investment,” the Post-Gazette reported. “A boil-water advisory last month affected some 18,000 homes served by PWSA. The authority remains under review for a possible reorganization.”

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