PWSA receives $59.1M loan for sewer rehabilitation

The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) announced that it received a $59.1 million low-interest loan from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) for a sewer system rehabilitation project.

The funding supports PWSA’s 2023-2025 Small and Large Sewer Rehabilitation programs, which will evaluate and rehabilitate approximately 56 miles of aging sewer mains throughout the city from 2023 to 2025. Some of PWSA’s sewers are more than a century old, and in need of repair.

was awarded a $59.1 million low-interest loan from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) for the 2023 – 2025 Small and Large Sewer Rehabilitation programs. With this funding, we can more quickly complete needed work on our sewer system while improving services that are essential to everyone in Pittsburgh.

“With continued support from the PENNVEST Board, Governor Shapiro, state leaders and the City of Pittsburgh, PWSA can effectively extend the useful life of the sewer system while minimizing the impact to ratepayers,” said PWSA Chief Executive Officer, Will Pickering. “Our partnership with PENNVEST is vitally important for strengthening the sewer system that every Pittsburgh resident and business relies on.”

The first neighborhoods slated for this sewer rehabilitation work include the West End, Knoxville, Westwood, and Summer Hill.

The 2023-2025 Small and Large Diameter Sewer Rehabilitation programs will rehabilitate sewer mains ranging in size from 8-inches to 120-inches in diameter. This work minimizes the need for the costly and disruptive replacement of sewer lines.

With technological advancements and improved construction techniques, PWSA can rehabilitate sewer lines by either repairing the pipe or installing a liner to its interior. Once cured, the liner will secure cracks and prevent leaks for many years.

“Our partnership with PENNVEST is essential for implementing our ambitious $1.4 billion capital program,” said PWSA Director of Finance, Ed Barca. “Their ability to provide low interest loans and grants will over time, save ratepayers millions of dollars in comparison to traditional financing.”

Since 2018, PWSA has received from PENNVEST a combination of $610,822,731 in low interest loans and $35,673,742 in grants, totaling $646,496,473. Over time, funding from state and federal partners keeps rates as low as possible.