As we experience more intense storms in Pittsburgh, we see more frequent sewer overflows and floods. Our goal is to better manage stormwater so that it doesn’t overwhelm the capacity of the sewers during storms, so when it rains, we don’t have basements backing up with raw sewage (putting families’ health at risk), pollution flowing into our rivers, or flooded roads. 

We encourage residents and property owners to take measures to protect their homes, buildings, and belongings from flooding. Every Pittsburgher needs to learn about and practice flood safety, especially since flash floods can occur with little to no warning. 

• Before: Make an emergency plan, including a communications plan, with family or friends. Gather supplies in case you must leave, or utilities are cut off. Monitor the weather and emergency alerts.
• During: If possible, move to a safer, higher location. If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
• After: Listen to authorities and return home only when they say it is safe. Avoid driving, except in emergencies. Avoid wading in floodwaters, which can contain dangerous debris, contamination, and electrical lines.

Learn more at pgh2o.com/flood-preparedness.

With more people home during the day due to the pandemic, your household may be using more water than usual. You can track your household’s real-time water usage on our online portal and sign up to receive alerts when there is a spike in water usage. Leaking toilets, faucets, showerheads, and other plumbing can waste a lot of water, but detecting and repairing leaks is often easy and can save you up to 10 percent on your water bills.

Practicing the following water conservation actions every day can also help you save money:

• Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth to save eight gallons of water a day.
• Turn off the faucet while lathering soap when washing your hands or dishes.
• Take a shorter shower to save between two and five gallons of water each minute.
• Use an efficient dishwasher instead of washing dishes by hand and save 5,000 gallons of water each year.
• Water your plants in the morning or early evening to reduce water lost to evaporation.
• Sweep sidewalks and driveways instead of hosing off those areas.

Learn more at cdc.gov/handwashing.