Meet Kate Mechler, P.E., our new Director of Engineering and Construction for Wastewater, Stormwater, and Green Infrastructure! Kate first joined Pittsburgh Water in 2019 as Deputy Director of Engineering and was just recently promoted to her new role. In her new position, she's responsible for budgeting, planning, and executing these programs, as well as supporting the development of the department’s staff.
What made you decide to pursue a career in your field?
My eighth-grade science teacher, Mrs. Kite, and my high school chemistry teacher, Mr. Leese, inspired me to initially pursue a career that involved math and science. Their passion for making a meaningful impact on my community truly made an impression on me at a young age. I graduated with a degree in chemical engineering; however, I knew it wasn’t something that I want to do for life. I wanted to do something where I was going to really help society. So, I accepted an internship for a Wastewater Engineering role and haven’t looked back.
What made you decide to join Pittsburgh Water?
It’s two-fold. First, it provided me with the ability to actually contribute to the betterment of Pittsburgh. Most of our infrastructure was well-constructed 100 years ago, and I want to renew the system in the same way for future generations. Secondly, the people. Everyone is willing to tackle challenges and have fun while doing it!
How do you contribute to the delivery of safe, clean drinking water to our communities?
By renewing our sewer system and detaining stormwater through the use of green infrastructure, our projects are improving the region’s water quality and our region's source, the Allegheny.
What are your favorite challenges to tackle?
Every project! While our projects aren’t always complex, they're all complicated. Each one has unique constraints. Something new is always cropping up, which requires flexibility.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
You can find me freezing all year long at an ice rink. Both of my sons play competitive ice hockey, and I love supporting their dreams to one day play in the NHL (even though it isn’t likely to happen).
