PWSA Executive Director Robert A. Weimar

We are committed to providing our customers with clean, safe drinking water. During these uncertain times in our region, we want to reiterate our steadfast commitment to our customers. Our focus is on providing the vital water and sewage services that you depend on, while prioritizing the health and safety of our customers and workforce.

Customers should be assured that the COVID-19 virus does not pose a threat to drinking water safety, per the CDC and other public health authorities. Unlike a power outage or natural disaster, a pandemic does not impair our drinking water treatment capabilities. Our water treatment plant is operating normally, and our treatment procedures are effective at inactivating viruses. Tap water is safe to drink and use for personal hygiene. 

We have been monitoring and preparing for the impact of COVID-19, commonly referred to as coronavirus, before cases were confirmed in Allegheny County. Our leadership team is coordinating with local public health and safety officials to be prepared for multiple scenarios as this situation unfolds. 

Our actions include:  

• Imposing a ban on water service shut offs, regardless of income
• Closing our in-person bill payment and permit counter as well as our bill pay drop box, located in our lobby at 1200 Penn Avenue, in favor of online options
• Reducing social interaction by eliminating non-emergency work performed inside customer homes and businesses
• Enhancing safety training for essential field personnel to ensure proper use of personal protective equipment and increasing cleaning frequency at work sites and inside vehicles
• Transitioning all staff who are able to work remotely
• Implementing technology solutions to continue to serve customers while working from home
• Engaging vendors and business partners to ensure we receive continuous supply of critical materials like water treatment chemicals
• Keeping employees and customers informed of emerging events via social media and real-time alerts

Our leadership team continues to monitor guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Pennsylvania Department of Health, and local agencies working on the response to COVID-19. Although some of our projects—such as our lead service line replacement program, which requires significant interaction and work inside homes—may be delayed, we are taking active measures to ensure that essential operations continue and core water and sewer service is not affected. 

Our customers can continue to call our 24/7 emergency dispatch line at 412-255-2423 to report water emergencies. Non-urgent matters can be easily reported using our online ‘Report an Issue’ form: pgh2o.com/report-an-issue. 

Please visit our webpage at pgh2o.com/COVID-19 for updated information on COVID-19 related operations and changes.