At PWSA, we have amazing women working in all departments. Our engineering department oversees the planning, design, and implementation of our major infrastructure improvement projects. They also provide their technical expertise as we maintain our water and sewer systems. Our three divisions—water, sewer, and stormwater—are headed by three enthusiastic and dedicated experts in their respective fields.
Kate Mechler, PE
Deputy Director of Engineering
How would you describe your job to someone else?
I am responsible for planning and executing “wastewater”, or sewer, improvement projects as well as supporting the development of the engineering staff.
How did you get into your line of work?
I went to school for chemical engineering but it wasn’t what I wanted to do. I wanted something where I was going to really help our society. So, I accepted an internship for a wastewater engineering position and haven’t looked back. I wanted my work to impact people’s lives and I believe I’m really doing that here at PWSA.
What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
Seeing staff grow and develop within the organization and contributing to the betterment of the City of Pittsburgh. Most of our infrastructure was well constructed 100 years ago and we want to renew the system in the same way for future generations.
What is the most challenging part?
The fact that we have to be highly adaptable. Every day brings new opportunities and even though our day is planned, something new is always cropping up, which requires us to be flexible.
What do you think people should know about engineers?
I think a lot of people aren’t aware of the level of coordination that we do before we select new projects and begin construction. There is a lot going on behind the scenes before you ever see us out in the streets doing work.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do in your free time?
I have two young children who keep me very busy. My off-hours are spent with my family!
Beth Dutton
Senior Project Manager - Stormwater
How would you describe your job to someone else?
Our division plans, designs, implements, and maintains stormwater-related projects that help to reduce local flooding and sewer overflows while improving water quality. All this ultimately improves the health of our streams and waterways.
How did you get into your line of work?
I started working at consulting engineering firms. For some time I worked for 3 Rivers Wet Weather, a local non-profit that focuses on wet weather overflow issues in the region. Then, while I was at 3 Rivers Wet Weather, I really focused a lot of my time and efforts on green stormwater infrastructure, like I am here at PWSA.
What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
To be able to solve residents’ stormwater problems as well as contributing to the bigger picture of improving water quality.
What is the most challenging part?
With more frequent and extreme rain events, we’re having to address more stormwater issues. It is a challenge to have enough time and resources between us and the City of Pittsburgh to give attention to everyone and solve these problems.
What do you think people should know about engineers?
There are so many passionate people here that are dedicated to the important work we have ahead of us. They really “walk the talk.”
When you’re not working, what do you like to do in your free time?
I love to be outdoors, cross country ski, fly fish, hike, and work in my garden.
Sarah Bolenbaugh, PE
Senior Group Manager - Water Programs
How would you describe your job to someone else?
I manage engineering projects related to water distribution, pumping, storage, and treatment. I also help troubleshoot problems within the distribution system.
How did you get into your line of work?
I actually wanted to go into environmental science and “save the earth.” However, my cousin had already graduated from college in a similar field and told me to go into engineering because that’s where I’d actually be able to make a change. I received my undergraduate in civil engineering and my master’s degree in environmental engineering. I started working for a firm where I was strictly doing potable water related work. Since I wanted to “save the earth,” I went to a firm where I was doing real environmental engineering, but also potable water engineering. So, I started to focus more on water and wastewater.
What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
Seeing improvements and trying to make a change for the better. PWSA’s water system is big and complex - I like the challenge.
What is the most challenging part?
Explaining to non-engineers why I think something is important.
What do you think people should know about engineers?
We like to think we have a pretty good sense of humor.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do in your free time?
I drive my kids from point A to point B and back again. Sometimes when I’m driving them, I forget which kid is in the car and where I’m going – that’s always fun. I also like to exercise, eat food, and sit outside on my couch while staring at the clouds. I’d love to go camping, but I don’t have the time.
