As part of PWSA’s stormwater strategic plan and related outreach efforts, we’ve launched an interactive web portal on EngagePGH. Here Pittsburgh residents can plot on a map the location of stormwater issues like basement backups, overland flooding, and maintenance concerns. Residents can also rank topics they’d like to see addressed and pose stormwater-related questions to PWSA’s stormwater project managers.

To gather community input, Stormwater Community Ambassadors, organized by Grounded Strategies, were a key element during the first phase of our stormwater strategic planning. This program transforms passionate residents into well-equipped, knowledgeable stormwater champions in their communities.

They served as our boots on the ground, speaking directly to residents and conducting surveys in watersheds and neighborhoods where factors like water quality, localized flooding, environmental justice, and opportunities for future stormwater projects most align. These locations include Four Mile Run, Negley and Heth’s Run, Soho Run, South 21st Street, Homewood and Larimer, Saw Mill Run, Woods Run, Hazelwood, and Sheraden.

The EngagePGH platform and Ambassadors provide opportunities for residents to participate in the long-term stormwater strategic planning efforts underway at PWSA.

The survey results, along with a full report from the first phase of the stormwater strategic plan, will be posted to our website for public comment later this summer. In early fall, we’ll host a community meeting to share recommendations from the plan as well as next steps regarding our stormwater strategic planning efforts.