The safety of tap water in Pittsburgh involves compliance and ongoing infrastructure improvements. The water delivered by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) generally meets all federal and state standards for contaminants at the treatment plant. However, like many older American cities, Pittsburgh faces challenges with its aging distribution infrastructure. Understanding the source, treatment processes, and individual risks is important for residents to ensure high-quality water. This article addresses the water system’s operations, regulatory oversight, and actions residents can take to mitigate concerns.
The Source and Treatment of Pittsburgh’s Water
The majority of Pittsburgh’s drinking water originates from the Allegheny River, requiring extensive treatment before distribution. The PWSA operates a treatment plant near Aspinwall, processing approximately 65 to 75 million gallons daily.
The multi-step treatment process begins with screening to remove large debris. This is followed by coagulation, sedimentation, and filtration using sand and carbon filters to remove suspended matter. The final stage involves disinfection, typically using chlorine, to eliminate harmful microbial contaminants.
Lead Service Lines and Infrastructure Concerns
The primary risk to tap water quality is not the treated water, but the pipes carrying it to older homes. Lead service lines (LSLs) connect the water main to a building’s internal plumbing and are common in neighborhoods built before the late 1940s. When water flows through these lead pipes, the metal can corrode and leach into the drinking water, increasing lead levels at the tap.
To combat this, the PWSA implemented corrosion control in 2019 by adding food-grade orthophosphate to the water supply. Orthophosphate forms a protective, non-toxic coating inside the lead pipes, creating a barrier that prevents lead from dissolving. This treatment has been highly effective, contributing to lead levels dropping to historic lows. Recent compliance testing shows results as low as 2.0 to 3.4 parts per billion (ppb), which is well below the federal action level of 15 ppb.
The long-term strategy involves the replacement of all LSLs throughout the service area. Since 2016, the PWSA has replaced thousands of publicly and privately owned lead service lines at no direct cost to the customer. The utility aims to remove all residential lead lines in its system by the end of 2027.
Regulatory Standards and Public Reporting
Oversight of Pittsburgh’s drinking water quality is managed by state and federal regulations. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) works alongside the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enforce the Safe Drinking Water Act. These agencies set specific limits for contaminants and mandate routine testing schedules.
The PWSA and other regional providers conduct extensive testing, performing thousands of routine checks monthly on the source water and distribution system. Monitoring includes testing for microbial contaminants, inorganic chemicals, and emerging contaminants like Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Residents can find a full report on water quality and compliance data in the annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), which is required by the EPA. This document outlines the water source, treatment, and testing results, and is available on the provider’s website.
Practical Steps for Concerned Residents
Residents of older homes can take simple steps to reduce any remaining risk of lead exposure. Lead levels increase when water sits motionless in lead pipes or plumbing fixtures for several hours. Running the cold water tap for a minimum of one minute, especially first thing in the morning, helps flush out stagnant water.
For those seeking extra protection, using a water filter can be effective. Filters should be certified by NSF International to confirm lead removal. The PWSA offers free lead test kits to customers, allowing residents to verify lead levels in their home. Cleaning faucet aerators a few times a year also prevents the buildup of sediment that might contain lead particles.