Pittsburgh Water provides essential water, sewer, and stormwater services to a population of more than 520,000 people across Pittsburgh and its surrounding region. Our responsibility to the environment and public health is a commitment we take seriously. At the heart of this commitment is our Environmental Compliance and Ethics Program, a foundational initiative that guides how we operate, make decisions, and serve our community.
What Is Environmental Compliance & Why Does It Matter?
Our adherence to Environmental Compliance standards ensures that Pittsburgh Water operates in strict accordance with environmental laws and regulations, but it also goes further than simple rule following. It reflects our ethical obligation to protect our local ecosystem, public health, and natural resources. From air and water quality to waste management and chemical safety, our compliance efforts are designed to create a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable Pittsburgh.
A Program Geared Toward Ethics and Excellence
Launched in 2021, our Environmental Compliance and Ethics Program is the cornerstone of our environmental strategy. It was developed under the leadership of our current executive team, who began implementing new compliance and ethics initiatives in 2020 to improve operations and foster a culture of accountability. The program is applied across all Pittsburgh Water operations and is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect evolving standards and best practices.
Compliance in Action
A strong Environmental Compliance and Ethics Program isn’t just good for the planet – it's a win for customers too, building healthier communities, promoting trust and transparency, and driving efficiencies and cost savings. Our Environmental Compliance Department is staffed by a diverse team of professionals dedicated to protecting public health, our local ecosystems, and the people who live in them through their efforts.
- Permits: Reporting and oversight of air quality, wastewater, stormwater, and chemical storage to comply with applicable permit requirements.
- Inspections: Regular inspections of combustion sources, storage tanks, spill prevention systems, waste streams, pump stations, and sewer outfalls take place on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
- Auditing: Over the past four years, independent third-party audits have helped us identify risks and implement timely corrective actions as needed.
- Reporting: Detailed regulatory reporting on air quality and emissions, chemical storage, wastewater discharges, residual waste management, and more.
- Tracking & Improvement: Using an Environmental Management and Information System and an Asset Management System, we ensure timely resolution of compliance issues and foster a proactive, solution-oriented culture to identify opportunities for improvement and preventive actions.
A Commitment to the Future
Our Environmental Compliance and Ethics Program is more than a series of checklists. It’s a promise to our communities, customers, and the environment to act transparently, impartially, responsibly, and in their best interests. By embedding ethics into every decision, we’re not just meeting regulations—we’re setting a higher standard. One that builds trust, strengthens our organization, and safeguards future generations.
