In April 2019, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority began adding orthophosphate to reduce lead levels in drinking water. Orthophosphate is a food-grade additive that forms a protective barrier between lead pipes and the water flowing through them. Two of the four distribution points for orthophosphate are in Highland Park.
Progress & Status
In April 2019, we completed the construction of two small buildings in the vicinity of the Highland Park Membrane Filtration Plant (MFP) along Reservoir Drive. These buildings store and distribute orthophosphate to our drinking water. Orthophosphate is a food-grade additive to reduce lead levels in the water. When water with orthophosphate runs through the system, it creates a coating on the inside of lead service lines and establishes a barrier between the lead pipes and the water we drink.
FAQ: Orthophosphate What You Need to Know
Infographic: Water Distribution System See the points where orthophosphate is added throughout our water distribution system.
Learn more about orthophosphate
Locations & Schedule
Location Details:
Both facilities are along Reservoir Drive in Highland Park
Start Date: February 2019
Completion Date: April 2019
Reservoir Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
United States
Project Contacts
If you have questions, please contact the Project Manager
Project Manager
:
Brad McShane
412-255-8800 ext 2504
bmcshane@pgh2o.com
If you have questions, please contact Public Affairs
Senior Manager, Public Affairs
:
Rebecca Zito
412-676-6684
rzito@pgh2o.com