Flushing plumbing in dormant buildings ensures water quality.

As Pittsburgh businesses prepare to reopen, property owners may be readying their buildings for occupancy. Under normal operations, the regular use of water maintains water quality within the building’s plumbing. When not in use, the water becomes stagnant and could result in an increase in toxic metals from pipe corrosion, reduction of disinfectant, or lack of maintenance of essential water system components.

A water management plan is an essential step in the process of reopening a business to employees and the public. Each building system is unique, and building owners may want to consult a professional to determine any necessary actions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Environmental Science and Policy Research Institute (ESPRI), and the International Code Council (ICC) each offer guidance on how to lessen the risks associated with water systems within buildings that have been temporarily vacant. 

Ensure that your water system is safe to use after a prolonged shutdown to minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ disease and other diseases associated with water.

We monitor disinfectant levels and proactively flush the public distribution system to maintain water quality for building systems. Our drinking water treatment protocol includes filtration and disinfection procedures that are effective in removing viruses. Our water is safe to drink and to use for personal hygiene activities.  

Internal plumbing and building system questions can be directed to the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) Plumbing Division. Water treatment questions can be directed to PWSA.   

A sustainability win for Pittsburgh!

We are proud to be part of the Western Pennsylvania Energy Consortium (WPEC). This group of more than 20 agencies has used their collective bargaining power to generate lower energy costs for the Pittsburgh region for nearly 12 years. Now, they are boldly showing their leadership in sustainability by moving to 100% renewable energy. 

The new, 12-month agreement with Direct Energy significantly reduces our reliance on fossil fuels. Now, the infrastructure, facilities, and operations that are needed every day throughout the Pittsburgh region will run on clean energy – most of which is generated from a solar farm near State College, Pennsylvania. 

For PWSA, it takes an enormous amount of energy to treat and distribute water. This new agreement reduces our carbon footprint and will save nearly $250,000 in annual energy costs. By using our purchasing power as part of the WPEC to support renewable sources, we can help to ensure cleaner water, while also improving air quality, reducing carbon emissions, and attaining our 2030 sustainability goals.