Pittsburgh Water Invites Community Members to Immersive Water Workshop, October 29th at West End Library

In partnership with Penn State Extension, this final Water Workshop of 2025 offers attendees information about Pittsburgh’s storm sewer system and practical, hands-on guidance for at-home stormwater management.

Pittsburgh, PA - October 7, 2025

Pittsburgh Water, joined by Penn State Extension’s Master Watershed Stewards and Master Gardeners, invites community members to attend an evening of learning at the West End Library on Wednesday, October 29th at 6:00PM.

Open to all, Pittsburgh Water’s final Water Workshop of the 2025 season will offer immersive content for those curious about how Pittsburgh’s sewer infrastructure handles heavy rains, and the steps anyone can take at home to help control the flow of stormwater and reduce the potential effects of flooding and sewer backups.

"Managing stormwater is a responsibility we all share—and there’s plenty you can do at home to support our sewer system and protect local waterways,” said Pittsburgh Water CEO Will Pickering. “I encourage everyone to join us at this workshop to learn simple, effective ways to reduce runoff and be part of the solution. Together, we can build a more resilient, sustainable Pittsburgh—now and for generations to come."

Kate Mechling Presenting Community members attend a recent Pittsburgh Water workshop

What Attendees Can Expect

This workshop represents a valuable opportunity to gain actionable insights and connect with experts and other community members. Attendees can expect to leave with a better understanding of how Pittsburgh’s sewers serve the entire city, and an appreciation for how small changes at home can lead to significant improvements for their neighborhood, local streams and rivers, and the environment. As an added treat, Halloween-themed snacks and cider will be provided as refreshments.

To register, visit bit.ly/WWWestEnd.

Discover Pittsburgh’s Sewer System & Watersheds

The sewer system in Pittsburgh contains over 1,200 miles of sewer lines and includes more than 25,000 storm drains. Approximately 75% of the system is a combined sewer system, meaning stormwater and wastewater flow through the same pipes, while the remaining 25% is separated into distinct stormwater and wastewater lines. Even a light rain can overwhelm the combined sewer system, causing combined sewer overflows into waterways. This is why mindful stormwater management is so important.

With the city’s oldest sewers dating back to the 1840s and much of the system being at least a century old, Pittsburgh Water is investing approximately $189 million over four years to modernize and maintain this critical infrastructure. More information is available at pgh2o.com/your-water/sewer.

Penn State’s presentations will also provide attendees with an in-depth understanding of how stormwater moves through Pittsburgh's urban watershed, creating a clear picture of the ways that mindful stormwater practices positively impact our rivers, streams, and the local environment as a whole.

Rain barrel with screens Example of a rain barrel

At-Home Stormwater Interventions

In a city of countless hills, valleys, and winding waterways, many Pittsburgh residents are no strangers to storm-induced flooding. While large-scale sewer and stormwater infrastructure projects are important undertakings in addressing this issue, this month’s Water Workshop also aims to educate attendees about the effective steps individuals can take to help capture and control rainwater at home. For example, tools and landscaping features like rain gardens, rain barrels, native plants, and other eco-friendly solutions can help reduce stormwater runoff, in turn reducing the risk of flooding and sewer back-ups, and keep our local watershed healthy by preventing combined sewer overflows.

Additional Learning Resources