This month, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority will add a new private lead service line reimbursement program to its list of Community Lead Response Programs. 

By following a few easy steps, PWSA’s water service customers can work with a private plumber to complete private side lead service line replacements and receive a minimum of a $1,000 reimbursement.  

Those who are concerned about a lead service line at their property can complete the work quickly while PWSA works towards its goal of systematically replacing all lead service lines by 2026.

This program is an expansion of our existing private lead service line replacement offerings, with more income eligibility tiers available.

Water service lines are a joint responsibility, with the portion between the water main and the curb box belonging to PWSA and the portion from the curb box to the home belonging to the homeowner.

This program will reimburse eligible costs for private service line replacement.

This program is based on a tiered income eligibility, administered by Dollar Energy Fund, starting at 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and 100 percent reimbursement.

Those households making between 300 percent and 400 percent of the FPL will receive 75 percent reimbursement and those making between 400 percent and 500 percent of the FPL will receive 50 percent.

Those making over 500 percent of the FPL, or simply do not want their income verified, will receive a $1,000 stipend after work is completed.

Both tenant and homeowner income can be used to qualify for this program, although the homeowner must initiate the work.

To simplify the process, PWSA has coordinated with local licensed plumbers to compile a list of companies that will complete the work on the terms set out by PWSA.

This includes not charging you for the amount PWSA will reimburse if you allow the check we issue to be co-written to you and the plumber.

This means customers will not be expected to pay any money upfront while waiting to be reimbursed. While we believe working with these plumbers will make the process easier, customers may work with any licensed plumber they choose. 

After your income is verified, the plumber will complete an estimate for the replacement work. PWSA will review the estimate and confirm the exact reimbursement amount. Once the work is complete, a check will be co-written to the homeowner and private plumber.

“As we continue to replace water mains and lead service lines across our water service area, we recognize that replacing all lead lines will take time,” said Executive Director Will Pickering. “We hope that homeowners and tenants will take advantage of this quick and easy process to receive reimbursement for replacing their private lead service line and improving water quality at their home.”

Click Here for more on the reimbursement program.

To begin the reimbursement process, customers should contact Dollar Energy Fund at 866-762-2348. For any questions about the program, please contact the PWSA Lead Help Desk at 412-255-8987 or at LeadReimbursement@pgh2o.com.  

Visit the Authority’s Community Lead Response Programs webpage for more information.

For more information on actions by DEP related to the Authority, visit the Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority webpage.

Rate Settlement

The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) has filed with the Public Utility Commission a proposed settlement regarding its 2021 water and wastewater rate proposal, which includes additional programs intended to assist customers.

The settlement is still to be reviewed by the presiding PUC administrative law judges as well as the full Commission with a final decision expected on or before January 14, 2021.

This settlement includes a 5.7 percent total increase in base rates for water and wastewater charges, and 5 percent distribution system improvement charges (DSIC) for both water and sewer.

This will amount to a $6.85 increase for the average residential customer using 3,000 gallons of water.

If the settlement is approved, customers enrolled in our Bill Discount Program using up to 5,000 gallons of water per month would see a reduction in their total monthly bill compared to existing rates.

Click Here for more information.

Related Articles:

-- Pittsburgh Water Authority Reports Lead Levels In Drinking Water Well Under EPA Action Standard

-- AG Shapiro Announces Settlement With Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority Over Lead Water Pipes

[Posted: October 3, 2020]

10/5/2020