| WATER | RATE |
|---|---|
| Water consumption is based on gallons of water consumed. All customers are charged for a minimum amount based on meter size. The average residential customer is billed for a 5/8" meter and 3,000 gallons of water each billing cycle. | |
| Water Minimum Charge (less than or equal to 1,000 gallons) |
$31.54 |
| Water Consumption Charge (for every full 1,000 gallons over the minimum, PWSA charges $16.38) |
$32.76 |
| SEWER | |
| The wastewater conveyance rate is based on gallons of water released into the sewer system. The average residential customer is billed for a 5/8" meter and 3,000 gallons of water into the sewer system. | |
| Wastewater Conveyance Minimum Charge (less than or equal to 1,000 gallons) |
$8.25 |
| Wastewater Conveyance Volume Charge (for every full 1,000 gallons over the minimum, PWSA charges $6.68) |
$13.36 |
| DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT CHARGE | |
| Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC) 5% of water and sewer charges | $4.30 |
| STORMWATER | |
| The stormwater fee is based on the amount of impervious surface on a property. The average residential customer is billed for one equivalent residential unit (ERU) of impervious surface. | |
| Stormwater Fee (for each ERU, PWSA charges $10.06) |
$10.06 |
| SUB-TOTAL | |
| PWSA bills on behalf of ALCOSAN for sewage treatment. ALCOSAN's rates are separate from PWSA. Their rates are set annually and the amount that they charge for sewage treatment is reflected in your bill from PWSA. | |
| PWSA Charges | $100.27 |
| ALCOSAN | $41.22 |
| TOTAL BILL | |
| PWSA and ALCOSAN | $141.49 |
Billing Amount Has Changed
Your monthly water bill totals may change, depending on a variety of factors.
If you have any questions (or see an estimated meter as “est” where you see “read type” on the back of your bill), please contact Customer Service at 412-255-2423 (Press 5) or via email to info@pgh2o.com.
Potential Factors
You may have used more water
Changes in routine can increase water usage. Some examples are:
- Visitors, new tenants, or an increase in the number of residents at your home can lead to higher water usage.
- In the summer months, more water is used for watering gardens, washing cars, filling pools, water-cooled air conditioners, etc.
- In the winter months, freezing temperatures can break pipes, which you may not see right away until you get a high bill. To track your usage and receive alerts for higher consumption, sign up at Check Your Water Usage. You can also protect your pipes from freezing with some of our helpful tips. Some people who have not protected their pipes in advance of freezing conditions may run their water continuously to keep them from freezing, and this will also cause an increase in water usage.
Learn more about how to reduce your water use on our Water Conservation page.
You may have an internal leak in your plumbing
The most common cause for a higher than usual water bill is a leaking toilet. A continuously running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons per day, which can double normal water consumption. Another common issue is a dripping faucet, which can waste up to 20 gallons per day or more. Learn more about how to detect and repair leaks on our Leak Detection page.
You may still be billed a minimum charge
Customers are charged a monthly minimum charge, regardless of water usage. Even if no water is used, there are costs for ensuring that the residence has access to the water system.
To avoid this charge, the water must be shut at the curb stop. The curb stop is typically in the sidewalk where the private water service line connects to the public water service line. You may call Customer Service at 412-255-2423 (Press 5) to schedule a shut at your residence. There is a one-time fee of $50 which includes turning the water service back on at your request when you return to the property. A Residential Shut Request Form is available on our Service Changes page under "Start or Stop Service."
We are replacing older meters
If your water meter has not been changed recently, please contact Customer Service at 412-255-8920 or via email to ami@pgh2o.com. Meter upgrades are at no cost to the customer, and you will be able to track your water consumption down to the tenth of a gallon.
To track your usage and receive alerts for higher consumption, sign up at Check Your Water Usage.
Looking for Information About Applying for a Refund?
Please visit our Application for Refund page for information about applying for a refund if you have a credit on your account.
Looking for Information About Billing Rates?
Please visit our Rates page for information about current water, wastewater conveyance, and stormwater rates, as well as the goals of ratepayer revenue.