Centre and Herron Stormwater Project in the Upper Hill District
A stormwater fee for Pittsburgh is a notable change. Historically, we have funded our stormwater services from wastewater rates based on water usage. The stormwater fee is based on a property's hard or impervious surfaces. All property owners in Pittsburgh contribute a share proportional to the amount of runoff generated by their property.
Establishing a fee based on hard surfaces such as roofs, pavement, and asphalt is a more equitable way to charge for stormwater and fund the stormwater projects and initiatives needed to improve stormwater management in Pittsburgh.
As part of implementing the stormwater fee, wastewater conveyance rates have decreased since the stormwater fee begins to recover the previously included stormwater costs.
Construction of Maryland Avenue Stormwater Project in Shadyside
Our sewer system was not built to handle increasing amounts of rain due to climate change, and with much of the city paved over, there is nowhere for the water to go. With new stormwater projects under construction and a stormwater strategic plan underway, we are making continuous strides to improve stormwater management in Pittsburgh. However, we cannot continue this work without making certain that our rates reflect the need to pay for the construction of stormwater infrastructure.
Learn More
Explore the resources below for additional information about the stormwater fee including the stormwater credit program, customer assistance for those having difficulty paying their bill, and a web map where you can search your property.
Please call PWSA Customer Service at 412-255-2423 (Press 5) or email info@pgh2o.com for questions about the stormwater fee or general questions about the credit program.
Additional Resources
Stormwater Fee FAQ
Visit our Stormwater Fee FAQ webpage for answers to common questions about the stormwater fee, impervious surface area, and the credit program.
Stormwater Credit Program
When it comes to managing stormwater, there are things we all can do to help!
Our Stormwater Credit Program offers a discount on the monthly stormwater fee. Property owners choosing to manage stormwater on site may reduce their monthly stormwater charge. Installing stormwater management systems such as a rain garden or an underground stormwater system on private property are examples of how a private property owner may earn a credit.
To learn more about our credit program and how to apply, please visit our Stormwater Credit Program webpage.
Rain Barrel Stormwater Fee Credit Program
As of February 15, 2024, PWSA offers residential customers a one-time $40 credit for an installed rain barrel of at least 50 gallons that captures and detains roof runoff on their property.
To learn more about this one-time credit and how to apply, please visit our Rain Barrel Credit Program page.
Stormwater Fee Finder
The Stormwater Fee Finder Website was developed by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority for customers to see the amount of impervious surface on their property and to better understand their stormwater fee. The impervious surface shown is based on aerial photography.
To learn how to use the site, please visit our Stormwater Fee Finder webpage.
Customer Financial Assistance
Customers experiencing financial hardships may qualify for an 85% reduction in their monthly stormwater fee through PWSA’s customer assistance programs. Please contact our PGH2O Cares team at 412-255-2457 to determine your eligibility or visit www.pgh2o.com/CAP to learn more.
Disputing Stormwater Fee
The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority used aerial photography to determine the amount of impervious surface on each property in Pittsburgh. If you have questions about the amount of impervious surface calculated for your property or believe there is a discrepancy, please contact our Customer Service department by calling 412-255-2423 (Press 5), and be prepared to provide the following information.
- Name, Telephone Number, and Email Address
- Property Address
- Parcel Number (this can be found using the Allegheny County Real Estate Portal or our Fee Finder Database)
Stormwater Dispute Process
- Customer Service will document your dispute and forward it to our Engineering department for review.
- If a credit is approved, it will be posted to your account, and the Customer Service Representative will contact you via email or letter to inform you of the decision.
- If the request is denied, the Customer Service Representative will discuss the decision with you. If you are unsatisfied with our decision, the Customer Service Representative will provide additional steps you can take.
Resources for Installing Green Infrastructure at Home
Are you concerned about water quality? Is flooding a problem in your neighborhood? Are you planning a home improvement project? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, you need to know more about managing stormwater!
The Stormwater Guide for Homeowners is a great resource to help you better understand:
• what stormwater is, why stormwater runoff can be a problem, and what you can do about it;
• how much stormwater runoff is generated by impervious areas on your property;
• how stormwater flows across and leaves your property
• how to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff leaving your property.
This guide will help you create your own stormwater management plan and select simple stormwater solutions to be implemented on your property. *
The Rain Garden Alliance is an excellent source of information about how a simple rain garden can help reduce stormwater flow from your property and stem the flow of storm water polluting our region's rivers and streams.
There are many creative and informative resources to be found on Penn State Extensions website, including:
- Installing Downspout Planters for Residential Stormwater Management
- How to Be a Good Stormwater Neighbor
- Ways to Control Stormwater on Your Property
- A Rain Barrel Webinar