Pittsburgh, PA - The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) has started constructing the South Side Flats Sewer Separation Project. This approximately $10 million investment to reduce combined sewer overflows will protect the environment and well-being of our community by safely and effectively conveying wastewater and stormwater through separate pipes to its intended place.
PWSA will separate sewers, install new water main, and replace lead service lines as part of this project
The project area, from Wharton Street to E. Carson Street, and between S. 18th Street to S. 22nd Street, has frequently experienced combined sewer overflows and basement backups during intense, heavy rains. By separating the sewer system, so wastewater travels through its own pipe to ALCOSAN for treatment and stormwater travels through a separate pipe to an outfall along the Monongahela River. Through this project, we will improve sewer operations in this neighborhood, better manage stormwater, and improve the quality of life for residents.
“Our sewers provide an often overlooked but essential role protecting public health and the environment,” said Will Pickering, PWSA’s CEO. “This project will provide more dependable wastewater and stormwater services for thousands of residents in the South Side Flats and also improve water quality in the Monongahela River.”
About the Project
Our contractors will construct a new stormwater sewer to remove storm flow from the existing combined sewer system. They will also construct new manholes, storm drains, and will correct street grading issues to improve surface drainage. In addition, certain properties within the project area that have roof drain into the combined sewer will be reconnected to the new separate storm sewer. This work will come at no direct cost to residents and will better manage stormwater flows along streets and sidewalks in the neighborhood.
To avoid future disruptions to the street, PWSA will replace water mains and lead service lines on Wharton Street and Fox Way. Last year, we put American Recovery Plan Act funding dollars to work and replaced lead service lines at other locations near the project area, shown in blue on the map above. PWSA replaces various types of aging infrastructure in a project zone when possible, to avoid the costly disruptions to the street in the future.
Work began in early June on S. 19th Street, with new manhole installations and small sewer repairs. As work progresses, crews will move onto Wharton Street and S. 18th Street to install new sewers and connect downspouts to the sewer system. Work will occur Monday-Friday from approximately 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and will require some no-parking zones and road closures to complete work. We anticipate completing this project in fall 2025.
Investing in Infrastructure: To protect public health and the safety of our community
During dry weather, combined sewers can keep sewer flows out of waterways.
Through investigations of stormwater issues throughout Pittsburgh, the South Side Flats was identified as a hot spot for combined sewer overflows due to its low elevation and combined sewer system. Combined sewers collect both stormwater and sewage and can overflow into nearby waterways, like the Monongahela River, during heavy rainfall. Targeting stormwater separations in areas where it is most needed adds more capacity in the sewer during rainfalls, improves surface water quality, and helps to avoid basement backups that negatively impact homes and businesses. Properly managed stormwater means cleaner waters for recreation and the wildlife that call our rivers home.
During heavy rain events, combined sewers can overflow into local waterways, causing water quality issues
During the planning process, it was also determined that properties in this portion of South Side Flats had many downspouts that discharge overland, leading to potential street flooding issues and icy surfaces during cold months. Connecting as many downspouts as possible to the newly built storm sewer will reduce these conditions and make streets and sidewalks safer for those who live and visit the neighborhood.
To learn more about our stormwater systems and how you can address stormwater concerns on your property, visit www.pgh2o.com/stormwater. To track progress on the South Side Flats Sewer Separation project, visit www.pgh2o.com/SSFlatsSewer.
