April 2018
IN THIS ISSUE: MEETING THE MANDATE 1 Meeting the Mandate PWSA’s Lead Line Replacement Team is Growing 2 RAW talk 3 PWSA In the Community Engineering and Construction Management 6 PWSA In the News 7 Engineering and Each replacement Construction operates as its own mini Team PWSA engineering project – 8 requiring coordination with 10 Water Wise homeowners, contractors, 11 PWSA Connect inspectors, water quality laboratories, and City, County, COMING UP: There are new faces at encouraging them to allow and State stakeholders. 2018 Board Meeting Dates PWSA. As construction PWSA contractors to replace Replacing 2,100 lines in less May 18, June 22, July 27 season begins, PWSA is their private line at the than a year means PWSA Wightman Park GI Project bringing in more professional same time as the public line must use as many as six Community Meeting staff to support our most replacement. We’re excited contractors, each with multiple April 23 Carriage House unique project ever. The to announce that two PWSA crews, to perform the work. scale of the $44 million employees were recently To complicate matters even Maryland Avenue GI Project Community Meeting project, and the moving promoted to join this very busy more, each replacement April 24 parts within it, required group. They can be reached site has unique conditions Winchester-Thurston Upper School PWSA to create a team of at [email protected] or like soil type, topography, 24 experienced staff and 412.255.8987. and private property Swisshelm Park Group April 25 conditions like driveways, consultants to meet the Data and Records Sarah Jackson Black and basement and retaining Community Center Pennsylvania Department Management of Environmental Protection walls. PWSA’s engineering and Banksville Civic Association (DEP) mandate to replace Removing lead service lines construction managers must April 26 Banksville Park Shelter 2,100 lead service lines from our system is more coordinate with contractors by the end of 2018. This sophisticated than digging and inspectors in the field Uptown Partners of Pittsburgh growing group will manage holes and laying pipe. Each to ensure that each job May 2 the program areas below. replacement site has layers site meets our standards, Life’s Work of data including historical while also makings sure Lead Help Desk South Side Planning Forum material records, curb box replacements happen on time May 8 Brashear Center The Lead Help Desk is the inspection results, and and on budget. Liaisons in the central hub for customers customer account information. field will also make sure each Manchester Citizens Corporation involved in the lead Each replacement site is replacement site receives May 10 service line replacement mapped using geographic a water test kit, certified 1319 Allegheny Ave. program. In addition to information system (GIS) filter and water pitcher and Allegheny City Central answering questions technology and will be updated post-construction flushing Association May 14 from the public, they’re after each replacement. PWSA guidance. City of Asylum responsible for contacting makes this data available to eligible homeowners and the public at pgh2o.com/CBI Find more information about Mt. Washington Community this program at pgh2o. Development Corporation and will continue to add more May 17 com/replacing-your-lead- Mt. Washington Senior information as the program Center continues. serviceline. RAW TALK RAW TALK By Interim Executive Director Robert A. Weimar Getting Stuff Done for our Customers in Need
I’ve attended 10 meetings this year Winter Shut Off Moratorium feedback from our customers as part of our #GetToKnowPgh2o Maintaining water service can be and stakeholders. We recognize speaking tour. As I make my way particularly important during cold the burden that increasing water through Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods, winter months. Customers who and sewer rates may have on our I hear that that many residents are receive a termination notice for lack neighbors with limited income, and concerned about the cost of water, of payment, and are at or below we intend to sustain these programs sewer and stormwater services. 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, in the future. We recognize our Even though our rates reflect our are eligible to enroll in this program. responsibility to balance affordability costs, and are similar to other The moratorium was approved by and the need to invest in our aging drinking water utilities, some of our the Board last October for the period water system. PWSA will seek neighbors struggle to stay current of December 1st through March all sources of federal and state with their bills. With this reality 31st each year. Eligible customers funding to minimize the burden on in mind, our Board of Directors receive payment counseling to ratepayers, and are committed to tasked PWSA staff to develop a address their unpaid PWSA charges. only investing in the areas required comprehensive strategy to lend During this past season, 1,695 to make PWSA the water, sewer and a hand to our most vulnerable customers took advantage of the stormwater utility Pittsburgh expects customers. winter shut off moratorium. and deserves. I am proud to announce that, in Hardship Program less than a year, PWSA established four distinct customer assistance To address financial hardship offerings. These programs are in emergencies, this program provides addition to the customer service one-time assistance grants that are process enhancements recently applied directly to a limited-income made as part of PWSA’s transition household’s water bill. Grant funding to Pennsylvania Public Utility up to $300 per year is available on Commission (PUC) oversight. These a first-come first-served basis for programs are being implemented in households at or below 150% of the collaboration with the Dollar Energy Federal Poverty Level. Fund Inc who administers the Private Lead Line Replacement programs outlined below. Eligible Community Environmental Project customers can enroll by calling Dollar Energy at 866-762-2348. Funds for this program are available from a $1.8 million settlement of an Bill Discount Program enforcement action between PWSA This program is eligible to residential and the Pennsylvania Department of customers who are at or below 150% Environmental Protection. This grant of the Federal Poverty Level. Eligible program will be limited to customers customers receive a 50% reduction at or below 250% of the Federal of their fixed monthly water and Poverty Level. This program will fund sewer conveyance charges. To approximately 200 private lead line date, PWSA and Dollar Energy have replacements. enrolled 1,881 customers in the Bill These programs have been Discount Program. implemented in response to
CURRENTS | April 2018 2 PWSA IN THE COMMUNITY
#GetToKnowPgh2o! Expanding our message to business and political leaders PWSA IN THE
Throughout 2018, the Pittsburgh provided an opportunity for Mr. COMMUNITY Water and Sewer Authority is Weimar to share our successes meeting with community groups with political leaders and build Community Stormwater throughout Pittsburgh to discuss awareness about the ways PWSA is Roundtables: the progress of PWSA as well as its transforming as an organization and March 27, Homewood Library priorities and challenges. While most improving the way we are delivering April 11, EEOC Larimer of these meetings are with residents, water, sewer, and stormwater April 25, GTECH Strategies we had the opportunity to expand services to our customers. Lawrenceville 6th Ward Block our reach this month and attended On Saturday, April 14th, Mr. Weimar Watch meetings addressing the needs and was back talking to community March 26 concerns of commercial developers groups and met with the Lincoln- St. Augustine Parish and local legislatures. Lemington Community Consensus On Wednesday, April 11th Interim Group. This informal discussion Smallman Street Water and Executive Director Robert Weimar answered questions about replacing Sewer Project Meeting met with the Building Owners and lead lines, the Customer Assistance March 27 Managers Association (BOMA) of Program, and green infrastructure Society for Contemporary Crafts Pittsburgh. During a continuing projects. education session with local Meeting with local community, 9th Annual Golden Luncheon developers, he provided an business, and political stakeholders April 2 overview of PWSA that included is an important way to establish trust River’s Casino Ballroom information about our requirements and build relationships throughout for developers and key projects for Pittsburgh. We appreciate the Woods Run Mairdale Avenue 2018. opportunity to meet with these Stormwater Project Meeting The following evening, Thursday, organizations and hope that April 5 April 12th, PWSA was invited by the everyone will take the time to Perry High School Mayor’s Office to attend a meeting #GetToKnowPgh2o. with state legislatures. This event Lawrenceville 10th Ward Block Watch April 10 Goodwill Workforce Development Center
Civic Leadership Academy April 11 PWSA Water Treatment Plant
Lincoln-Lemington Community Consensus Group April 14 Paulson Recreation Center
Stanton Heights Neighborhood Association April 18 Sunnyside Elementary Bob Weimar speaks to Lincoln-Lemington Residents atteh Paulson Recreation Center
CURRENTS | April 2018 3 PWSA IN THE COMMUNITY
OnePGH Initiative PWSA participates in collaborative City initiative PWSA is participating in the City of Pittsburgh’s PWSA participated in the Critical Infrastructure working OnePGH initiative led by Mayor Peduto. This group as well as the group focused on Stormwater and initiative began in January and will culminate on Green Infrastructure. Several priority projects were identified Friday, April 27th, at the Energy and Innovation within each group. Critical infrastructure priorities include: Center with a presentation on the Mayor’s OnePGH replacing lead lines, addressing water loss, and identifying Prospectus. opportunities to bring additional community benefit to The Prospectus is the product of several working planned infrastructure projects. The Stormwater and groups that formed to identify potential project Green Infrastructure group was focused on incorporating priorities and funding needs related to: greenways and additional green space throughout Pittsburgh. • Arts, Culture, Parks and Open Space This phase of the Mayor’s OnePGH Initiative was a • Climate successful collaboration among City departments and • Critical Infrastructure agencies dedicated to creating a resilient, thriving city • Education for all residents. The Prospectus assembles the needed investment from the City, PWSA, and other agencies. It also • Housing identifies aspirational funding goals to support identified • Hunger, Health and Homelessness projects and services that may not already have a dedicated funding source. • Mobility We’re looking forward to next steps and continuing our • Stormwater and Green Infrastructure engagement with the Mayor’s Office and the City of • Workforce and Entrepreneurship Pittsburgh in this initiative. Please visit the City’s website at pittsburghpa.gov/onepgh for more information.
Riverview Park Community Meeting Engaging North Side residents and park users on ways to manage stormwater in this local gem. Nearly 30 people attended a CEC design project team and the selected alternative design at a community meeting on Thursday, discuss the goals of the project. community meeting in the summer to April 5th about the Woods Run Throughout the meeting attendees gather input on additional changes. Mairdale Avenue Stormwater had an opportunity to explore More information about the Woods Run Project in Riverview Park. PWSA project boards featuring different Mairdale Avenue Stormwater Project is hosted the meeting and the conceptual green infrastructure available on PWSA’s website at pgh2o. design team, lead by Civil and systems and the ways they can be com/woods-run. Environmental Consultants (CEC), applied within the park. Attendees gave a presentation about the interacted with the project team types of green infrastructure by asking questions and having techniques that could be used one-on-one conversations while to manage stormwater near the studying the project boards. Mairdale Avenue entrance to the The project team is reviewing park. the feedback and comments The meeting provided an shared during the meeting and opportunity for park users and will incorporate them into the
residents living near Riverview design alternative selection for Community residents review plans for the Woods Run Park to meet the PWSA/ the park. PWSA will present GI project
CURRENTS | April 2018 4 PWSA IN THE COMMUNITY
PWSA Customer Feedback Going above and beyond to help customers.
• PWSA’s Communications team attended the 9th Annual Golden Luncheon for seniors, hosted by State Representative Jake Wheatley. PWSA staff talked to participants about PWSA services, including the new Customer Assistance Programs.
• The Lead Help Desk received kudos from a customer on their lead service line replacement. They expressed appreciation for the complexity of the program and praised the team for making the process easy.
• The Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs thanked PWSA staff for their particiaption in the Civic Leadership Adacemy (CLA). “We just wanted to shoot you a message to thank you and Barry, Megan and the rest of the team for CLA last night. It was a big hit! We appreciate the presenters staying late - everyone wants to know more about PWSA!”
PWSA hosts the Civic Leadership Academy (CLA) The CLA is an 11-week course that that encourages more informed, effective and inspired community and civic leadership by giving City residents an opportunity to learn about their local government. This unique program was created to foster informed, effective, and inspired community leadership. It is taught by leaders and employees of city government and authorities to share what services, operations and resources the city provides in and for our communities; including tours, hands-on demonstrations, and informational activities that give participants an insider view of how the City of Pittsburgh operates. PWSA staff gave presentations on Authority operations and participants received a tour of the treatment plant and demonstrations of CCTV sewer inspections.
For more information on how to apply, visit the City’s website at Mike Dusch, PWSA’s TV Truck Specialist, demonstrates pittsburghpa.gov/servepgh/cla/participate CCTV technology to CLA participants
CURRENTS | April 2018 5 PWSA IN THE NEWS
PWSA Kicks off Annual Hydrant Inspection and Spring Cleaning Media and Program Press Releases
Beginning April 15, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) will begin inspecting and flushing fire MEDIA COVERAGE hydrants as part of its annual fire hydrant inspection and spring cleaning program.
PWSA plans to check 15K homes for lead lines this year, Tribune-Review If you live in an impacted area, please take note of the following: PWSA Aims To Replace 2,100 Lead Lines in 2018, Will Pay For Residential • Flushing will not interrupt water Side, WESA service; however, it is common to see a temporary reduction in water pressure while crews Project in Strip District to disrupt are working in these areas. If parking, traffic, Tribune-Review customers notice low pressure after flushing is finished, they PWSA urges property owners to are advised to check faucets for respond to free waterline replacement trapped particles. offer, Tribune-Review • Water can become discolored after flushing. If this happens, run Big changes coming to Strip District, cold water tap for a few minutes WPXI The program, which will be spread until the water is clear. If it is not clear the first time, wait a few across PWSA’s drinking water system Smallman Street set for months-long throughout the spring, will enhance minutes and repeat this process. sewer, water project, Post-Gazette public safety and improve drinking • Avoid washing clothes until the water quality. water clears. If laundry becomes Pittsburgh, there’s a new water Hydrant flushing is necessary to stained, do not put it in the dryer. oversight sheriff in town, ensure adequate flow and water Rewash clothes with detergent pressure is available for firefighting. and a rust removing agent. Rust WESA Running hydrants will increase remover can also remove stained water flow through the system. This fixtures. Pittsburgh Sewage Systems Begins increase in flow helps clear minerals New Chapter, Axcess News and deposits from the water system. • Discoloration may linger for a Flushing also removes sediment from few hours. There are no health the distribution pipes to maintain concerns associated with PUC to hire two to help with new water clarity and quality. discolored water from hydrant oversight of PWSA, Pittsburgh flushing the water is clear. If it is Business Times A map of the areas impacted is not clear the first time, wait a few available on www.pgh2o.com and minutes and repeat this process. will be updated as the program proceeds.
CURRENTS | April 2018 6 ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION
Smallman Street Project Update Preparations are underway for the the water and sewer improvement project impacting Smallman Street in the Strip District.
PWSA met with property owners, merchants, and residents on March 27th to discuss the upcoming water and sewer work on Smallman Street. The event drew a large crowd, who came to hear details on construction impacts, including parking, traffic, and the timeline of the work. Barry King, Interim Director of Engineering and Construction, and members of the engineering and construction team presented the details of the project and answered questions regarding the impact to the community that will occur from early May through the end of 2018. PWSA and the construction team will work with business owners to ensure they can continue to operate with as minimal impact to their day-to-day lives as possible. Weekly meetings are currently taking place for community stakeholders in the Strip District with PWSA and other City of Pittsburgh departments to share Barry King presents details of the Smallman Project to members of the updates leading up to groundbreaking in mid-May. community at Society for Contemporary Crafts
2018 YTD Expenditure Report includes all paid Vendor Invoices and Contractor Pay Applications from January 1, 2018, to April 16, 2018, as well as invoices received but not yet finalized/approved. Operations Capital $6,821,274 $9,587,747
Capital $9,587,747
Operations $6,821,274
TOTAL $16,409,021
CURRENTS | April 2018 7 TEAM PWSA
New Hires Randy Bergia Senior Manager - Capital Projects William Bennett Senior Manager - Lead Projects Robin Shaw Environmental Compliance Coordinator Dan Cleary Associate Project Manager Christopher Good Field Services Technician II Garrett Donnelly Field Services Technician II Ryan Allard Field Services Technician II Judith Moscov Administrative Assistant - Field Services Sherry Perkins Administrative Assistant - Engineering and Construction
WELCOME ABOARD!
Job Postings Interested in working with us? PWSA is looking for dedicated people to join our team.
Director of Engineering & Construction Accounting Specialist Director of Water Production Customer Service Representative - Full Time Deputy Director of Finance Customer Service Representative - Part Time Senior Contract Specialist
Visit www.pgh2o.com/employment to learn more.
CURRENTS | April 2018 8 TEAM PWSA
PWSA Employee Spotlight Green Infrastructure Team A new approach to managing stormwater
While the Employee Spotlight and Brent Lahaie, Associate Project managers enter the scene. Manda normally highlights one person Manager, move projects from a Metzger and Matthew Smuts are within a department, it was difficult conceptual idea to a construction- currently overseeing construction to choose one employee within ready design. They focus on a on active GI projects including the the Green Infrastructure (GI) Team. project’s technical details, manage Hillcrest project in the Garfield Each person fulfills an important consulting teams, and coordinate neighborhood and the Melwood role within the group to change neighborhood engagement. and Finland project in Polish Hill. the way Pittsburgh manages Unlike traditional stormwater Elaine Hinrichs, Green stormwater and approaches new infrastructure projects that are built infrastructure Fellow, joined infrastructure projects. below ground, GI projects are visible PWSA’s GI team in April and Under the leadership of and become part of the public realm. is assisting with community Sustainability Manager, James Getting a project from its conceptual events and outreach activities Stitt, PWSA is establishing a design to one that balances the to build awareness about green Stormwater Division that will interests of community groups, infrastructure throughout manage all stormwater activities residents, and local government Pittsburgh. throughout Pittsburgh. PWSA is agencies is the greatest challenge A green approach to stormwater working with the City of Pittsburgh and most rewarding aspect of these management is a new direction for to develop an understanding of projects. PWSA and the City of Pittsburgh. those duties. Jessica Mooney, GI Most recently PWSA met with Delivering these projects requires Program and Policy Manager, is Northside residents and users a variety of skills and expertise developing policies and procedures of Riverview Park to discuss and to meet PWSA’s overarching goal to implement the Stormwater gather input on the ways green of reducing stormwater from Division. infrastructure can be used to manage overloading our combined sewer As the details of the new stormwater near the Mairdale system and preventing sewage Stormwater Division come together Avenue entrance of the park. On from entering our rivers and there are several active projects April 24th we’ll meet with Shadyside streams. managed by a team of engineers, residents to provide an update on a construction project managers, GI project along Maryland Avenue; and project managers. Megan community input will help to Zeigler, Associate Project Manager, determine some of the materials and coordinates planning of Capital treatments used in the final design of Improvement Projects (CIP). In the project. 2018, PWSA has dedicated $20 Once a project is ready for million for GI projects. construction it continues to require Tom Batroney and Ryan Quinn, a great deal of coordination with Engineers; Ruari Egan and Ana contractors and residents. This Flores, Engineering Technicians; is when our construction project GI Team (left to right): Matt Smuts, Ryan Quinn, Megan Zeigler, Ruari Egan, Jessica Mooney, Ana Flores, and James Stitt Not pictured: Elaine Hinrichs, Brent Lahaie , and Manda Metzger
Visit www.pgh2o.com/employment to learn more.
CURRENTS | April 2018 9 WATER WISE
Spring Stormwater Tips
Spring is the season when lawn care professionals and homeowners fertilize lawns to make them more healthy and attractive. There is an enormous amount of chemicals and yard waste associated with these actions. It is important to be aware of the things that could contribute Water Wise Tip to hamrful environmenal conditions while you’re improving your yard this spring. April Showers Bring May Flowers - Rain Barrel Benefits Here are some ways you can help in your own backyard: A rain barrel is a container that captures and stores rainwater draining from your roof. • Do not over-fertilize your yard. Over-fertilization will Barrels usually range from 50 to 80 gallons not increase plant growth, but the excess will wash and have a spigot for filling watering cans and off your yard and down the storm drain, polluting a connection for a soaker hose. Combining our waterways. Excess fertilizers, herbicides, and the use of rain barrels with appropriate plant pesticides endangers wildlife. Your fertilizer feeds selection and mulching promotes water harmful algae that grows in creeks, lake, and rivers; conservation. Rain barrels benefit your home, depleting oxygen in the water, which can kill fish and garden and community. other aquatic wildlife. When preparing your rain barrel, keep a few tips in mind: • Don’t apply pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers to your yard before it rains. This will not help the • A rain barrel should include a screen to chemicals absorb better, but will created polluted keep out debris. runoff. • Ensure that your rain barrel has a cover and a tight connection where water enters • Avoid application over impervious surfaces. Sweep the barrel to prevent mosquito breeding granular fertilizer back onto the grass to prevent it and algae buildup. from washing into the storm sewer system. • If roof contaminants are a concern, • Don’t blow lawn clippings into the street. When empty the first collected rainwater cleaning up your yard, rake or blow leaves into a pile from the bottom of the barrel. and place them in a trash bag for collection. • Your garden plants may love the rainwater, but water collected in rain barrels is not suitable for human consumption.
CURRENTS | April 2018 10 PWSA CONNECT Board of Directors
Paul Leger Stay in Touch with PWSA! Chairman Margaret Lanier Subscribe to our mailing list to receive press Vice Chairperson releases and community announcements. Jim Turner Secretary Deb Gross Assistant Secretary Chatón Turner Member
Executive Leadership
Robert A. Weimar Interim Executive Director Debbie Lestitian Chief of Corporate Counsel and Administration Barry King Please take a minute to join our mailing list at pgh2o.com/ Interim Director of Engineering subscribe to receive press releases, our monthly newsletter, Kent Lindsay and other announcements you won't want to miss. Our goal Director of Finance is to establish an ongoing dialogue with customers and the Pittsburgh community about water and sewer services. Kate Mechler Senior Project Manager Kelly Morgano Human Resources Manager Rick Obermeier Director of Field Services Will Pickering Senior Communications Manager Julie Quigley Director of Administration
PWSA wants to have an ongoing dialogue with our customers Penn Libery Plaza 1 and the Pittsburgh community. One of the easiest ways to 1200 Penn Avenue Pittsburgh PA 15222 share information is on social media and through our new email subscription. Join us in any or all of the following ways to [email protected] receive the latest about water and sewer services, projects and T 412.255.2423 initiatives, our newsletter, and announcements. F 412.255.2475
pgh2o.com/subscribe @pgh2o Customer Service/ Emergencies facebook.com/pgh2o nextdoor.com 412.255.2423