PWSA Receives Award for Community Lead Response Program

March of Dimes Pittsburgh recognizes the program as Special Project of the Year.

Pittsburgh, PA - The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) was awarded Special Project of the Year at today’s March of Dimes Pittsburgh Transportation, Building & Construction Award Ceremony. The March of Dimes Awards highlights local leaders and innovative projects in the labor and industry arena. Presented virtually, the Special Project of the Year award recognized our Community Lead Response Program.

The program has become a model for other U.S. cities by achieving several initiatives such as:

  • Creating a comprehensive community engagement strategy
  • Replacing almost 8,000 public and over 5,000 private lead service lines over the past four years
  • Providing, on average, over 10,000 free lead testing kits and 4,000 free water filter pitchers on an annual basis

“I am honored to accept the Special Project of the Year award for our Community Lead Response Program”, said Executive Director Will Pickering. “The project title is fitting as this has been a community-led effort from our employees, elected officials, consultants, contractors, and customers. Thank you to the March of Dimes Event Leadership for recognizing our commitment to continue to provide safe drinking water for moms and babies." 

Clear glass award from March of Dimes with text recognizing PWSA's Community Lead Response as Special Project of the Year. PWSA is honored to receive the Special Project of the Year recognition from March of Dimes Pittsburgh. We remain committed to working towards our goal of replacing all lead lines by 2026.

The recognition comes at a pivotal time in the lead program as we add a new lead service line reimbursement program. The reimbursement program provides homeowners the opportunity to work with a private plumber and receive reimbursement on a tiered scale. The program will increase access to funding for residents not within our planned work areas. PWSA will continue to proactively replace lead lines as we replace aging water infrastructure as part of our capital improvements. See our October 1st press release for more information on how to participate in the reimbursement program.  

March of Dimes is an organization that promotes the health and welfare of moms and babies through advocacy, education, and research. Learn more about the March of Dimes mission on their website at https://www.marchofdimes.org.