Pittsburgh, PA – Earlier today, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) brought elected officials, local regulatory agencies, the contracting and labor community, and members of the media on a construction tour of the new Highland Reservoir Pump Station in the Highland Park neighborhood.
This multi-year project is part of PWSA’s ambitious Water Reliability Plan and the first of three major pump station construction projects and renovations identified in the Plan. These once-in-a-generation projects are a significant investment in Pittsburgh’s water infrastructure and will ensure reliable water services for current and future generations of customers.
“The Highland Reservoir Pump Station is one of several projects to modernize our water system for decades to come,” said PWSA CEO Will Pickering. “When constructed, it will reduce the likelihood of service disruptions caused by power outages or water main breaks,” he stated. “This, and all the projects within the Water Reliability Plan reflect our commitment to public health and support our region.” He said.
Attendees heard remarks from PWSA CEO Will Pickering, AECOM Project Director Pat O’Brien, PWSA Chief Engineering Officer Rachael Beam, CEO of Master Builders’ Association of Western PA Dave Daquelente, Senator Jay Costa, Senator Lindsay Williams, and Deputy Mayor Jake Pawlak.
“PWSA's leadership and commitment to the delivery of safe, reliable water services is evident in projects like the Highland Reservoir Pump Station,” said Pennsylvania State Senator Jay Costa. “We are fortunate to have a hard working, dedicated team of public servants and water professionals who are solely focused on protecting the health and well-being of the communities they serve,” he said.
“Modern, state-of-the-art drinking water infrastructure is fundamental not only to the health and well-being of our communities, but also to the economic activities that support our region,” said Pennsylvania State Senator Lindsey Williams, “As PWSA completes these projects, residents and businesses can expect a more resilient water system and businesses looking to locate in Pittsburgh can have confidence that it will support their future economic growth,” she said.
Project Background
This $46 million project is the first major new structure PWSA has built in approximately 20 years. The five-part contract includes the construction of a new pump station building as well as mechanical, structural, architectural, site piping, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing work. The project and all its components are estimated to generate more than 470 jobs and stimulate an economic output exceeding $83 million throughout our region over the life of the project*.
The construction projects, initiated by PWSA, stimulate our local and regional economy by directly creating meaningful local job opportunities, indirectly generating business to business purchases to complete projects, and stimulating supply chain spending that keeps money in the region. The construction of the Highland Reservoir Pump Station is creating good paying union jobs and putting money back into our economy.
“The Highland Reservoir Pump Station, being constructed entirely by the men and women of the Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Unions, carries tremendous significance for our region and the work of these construction labor professionals in the building trades,” said Dave Daquelente, Executive Director of the Master Builders’ Association of Western Pennsylvania. “The outstanding union contractors and their talented employees working towards completing this project are committed to excellence and meeting the high standards PWSA has established, and MBA Contractor members are known for in our region. Our contractors, trade professionals, and the leadership from PWSA represent the tri-partite success that builds our region every day,” he said.
The Highland Reservoir Pump Station project includes the demolition of the existing 4 million gallon per day (MGD) pump station that feeds the Garfield water tank, making way for the construction of a modernized, larger station behind the footprint of the existing structure. This new station will add 56 million gallons per day of additional service as a redundant supply to the Highland I Service Area, otherwise known as the uncovered Highland Reservoir I. This dual pumping capability will add critical redundancy and security to our water system.
Construction crews are currently focused on building the foundation and exterior structure for the new pump station, which will sit on land behind the existing station. This process will continue until fall of 2025. Future milestones include installing new, modern pumps, demolishing the old station, and placing the new pump station into service by Spring 2026 – marking the completion of this project. Construction of the pump station is currently on schedule and within budget.
“I want to commend our engineering staff, consultants, and contractors who are working tirelessly to bring the Water Reliability Plan to life,” said PWSA Chief Engineering Officer Rachael Beam. “These projects require the expertise of skilled, responsive, and trusted individuals. We are proud to have attracted the specialized talent needed for their completion,” she said.
Pump station construction was preceded by the installation of new large-diameter water mains in the surrounding Highland Park neighborhood that will connect to the new station. This work was completed in winter of 2023.
This, and other Water Reliability Plan projects, will lead to the centerpiece project of the Water Reliability Plan, the replacement of the Clearwell, a century old, 40-million-gallon water storage and disinfection facility at the Water Treatment Plant. This is a singular piece of infrastructure that cannot be easily taken offline for repairs. This series of work will not only renew key pieces of our system but allow for the replacement of the Clearwell.
Funding the Water Reliability Plan
To keep costs as low as possible, we aggressively pursue state and federal funding to advance this historical investment. We can proudly say that the Water Reliability Plan projects are primarily funded by low-interest loans from the EPA and the state’s revolving loan fund, PENNVEST.
Last year, we received a $52.4 million loan from the federal government for three of the projects. This funding, part of the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), is the first of a series of loans that will support these large-scale water improvements. It is supplemented by a prior funding award of $209.0 million from the state. Using alternative sources of funding is more cost-efficient as low-interest loans provide savings that we can pass on to our customers over the life of the loan.
The Future of Pittsburgh's Water System
Upgrades to our pumping, storage, and distribution system are crucial for the health and vitality of our community. Much like previous generations worked to build the water and wastewater systems we rely on every day, we must bring these systems up to modern standards and provide safe, reliable drinking water for current and future generations.
“About 100 years ago, previous generations of Pittsburghers built the water pipes, tanks, reservoirs, and pump stations that we still rely on today,” said City of Pittsburgh Deputy Mayor Jake Pawlak. “They were designed incredibly well and have served the millions of people who have lived in and visited Pittsburgh for decades. Now, at the end of their useful life, PWSA is picking up the mantle to renew and replace this essential water system for our community now, and for those who come after us,” he stated.
Resources
To learn more about the Highland Reservoir Pump Station Project, and other Water Reliability Plan projects, visit pgh2o.com/WRP. If you are a firm interested in working with us on future Water Reliability Plan projects, visit pgh2o.com/doing-business.
IMPLAN source: IMPLAN® model, 2023 Data, using inputs provided by PWSA and IMPLAN Group LLC, IMPLAN System (data and software), 16905 Northcross Dr., Suite 120, Huntersville, NC 28078 www.IMPLAN.com
