Pittsburgh, PA – The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) has agreed to enhanced oversight and a substantial financial contribution to community lead abatement programs following violations of the Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act stemming from 2016 and 2017. The agreement, finalized in July 2020, addresses failures in proper notification and testing procedures during partial lead service line replacements.
The issues originated in June 2016 when PWSA exceeded the established lead action level for drinking water, triggering a series of corrective actions. While attempting to comply with both federal EPA and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations regarding service line replacements, PWSA inadvertently fell short of mandated procedures. Specifically, the authority failed to provide the required 45-day advanced notice to customers before undertaking partial lead line replacements at their homes. Furthermore, post-construction water test kits were not consistently provided, leaving residents potentially unaware of lead levels in their water.
These violations initially drew a $2.4 million civil penalty through a consent order with the DEP in November 2017. Subsequent charges from the Pennsylvania Attorney General mirrored these concerns, focusing on the same procedural shortcomings. The situation was further complicated by the fact that partial lead line replacements were ultimately deemed insufficient to fully address the contamination risk.
Recognizing the limitations of partial replacements, PWSA proactively engaged with state legislators to amend existing laws. This legislative effort allowed the authority to shift its strategy towards full lead service line replacements, extending to the private property of affected customers. PWSA then undertook a comprehensive effort to re-contact homes that had received only partial replacements, offering no-cost full line replacements, alongside water test kits and filtration systems.
Enhanced Oversight & Community Investment
As part of the resolution, PWSA will retain an external and independent corporate monitor. This monitor will provide regular reports detailing PWSA’s compliance efforts to the Office of Attorney General, PWSA leadership, and the PA DEP. This independent oversight is intended to ensure future adherence to safe drinking water regulations and prevent similar violations.
Beyond the monitoring requirement, PWSA will also donate a total of $500,000 to local organizations dedicated to lead contamination prevention. $250,000 will be directed to the Safe and Healthy Homes program, while another $250,000 will benefit Women for a Healthy Environment’s “Get the Lead Out, Pittsburgh” initiative. These funds are earmarked for programs directly protecting Pittsburgh residents from the dangers of lead exposure.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA)
- State: Pennsylvania
- Year: 2020 (regarding violations in 2016-2017)
- Statutes Violated: Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act
- Violations: Failure to provide 45-day advanced notice of partial lead service line replacements and failure to provide post-construction test kits.
- Penalty: $2.4 million civil penalty (initial consent order), plus $500,000 donation to community programs, and appointment of an independent corporate monitor.
The case highlights the critical importance of strict adherence to water quality regulations and the potential consequences of failing to adequately protect public health. While PWSA has taken steps to rectify past errors, the ongoing monitoring and community investment demonstrate a commitment to ensuring safe drinking water for the residents of Pittsburgh.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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