Press Release

PUC Addresses Outstanding Concerns About Lead Service Line Replacement Plans for Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority

Published on 2/4/2021

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

PUC Also Sets Timetable for PWSA Filings Regarding Stormwater Service, Customer Assistance Programs and Various Other Consumer Issues

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today addressed a series of issues involving the lead service line (LSL) replacement program proposed by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) – including health and safety concerns raised by the PUC and various concerned parties.

The Commission voted 4-0 today to approve an Opinion and Order resolving outstanding aspects of PWSA’s Stage 1 Compliance Plan filed with the PUC – specifically involving the remediation of lead service lines in PWSA’s system. 

Concerns About Partial Lead Service Line Replacement

Due to health and safety concerns, the Commission in 2020 directed modifications to PWSA’s program, rejecting the Authority’s request as proposed in its filing to allow “partial lead service line replacements” in certain circumstances including, but not limited to, when property owners would not consent to no-cost replacement of customer-owned lead service lines, or in other circumstances involving health or safety concerns that could prevent PWSA from safely replacing customer-owned lead service lines. Based on the evidence presented in this case, a partial LSL replacement – the replacement of the public-side service line without the simultaneous replacement of the private-side or customer lead service line – would endanger public health by causing spikes in drinking water lead levels. 

In the PUC Opinion and Order approved today, the Commission continues to prohibit partial lead service line replacements by PWSA.  Additionally, the proposal approved today includes a series of improvements to public communication about lead service line replacements in Pittsburgh, recommended by a collaborative group of concerned parties.  These enhancements involve outreach to customers, occupants, and landlords, explaining PWSA’s offer of a free private-side LSL replacement and the consequences of declining or failing to respond to the offer – which can include termination of service.  

Per today’s PUC order, PWSA shall file revisions to its compliance plan, incorporating the policy terms approved by the Commission, within 60 days. Other outstanding issues related to Stage 1 of PWSA’s compliance plan were addressed by the PUC in March 2020.

Timetable for Stage 2 of PWSA Compliance Filings

Because of the many different issues related to PWSA’s compliance with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Code and PUC regulations, the PUC’s review of the PWSA compliance plans was divided into a two-stage process – focusing first on urgent infrastructure remediation and improvement, and the revenue and financing requirements of maintaining service that supports public health and safety, to be followed by a second stage to address PWSA billing and collection issues and the development of a proposed storm water tariff.

Today’s PUC order finalized the last outstanding “Stage 1” issues and also sets the timetable for PWSA “Stage 2” filings for compliance matters – including stormwater service, customer assistance programs, collections and other customer service issues.

The Commission has directed PWSA to file revisions to its compliance plan within 60 days, addressing various Stage 2 issues, including:

• Storm water services.
• Chapter 14 of the Public Utility Code and Chapter 56 of the Commission’s regulations for water and wastewater services (related to consumer protection and customer service matters, including billing, payment, meter readings, terminations, payment agreements, dispute procedures and PUC complaint procedures).
• Other issues deferred from Stage 1 of PWSA’s compliance plan proceeding.

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at www.puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Docket Nos.:
M-2018-2640802
M-2018-2640803

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov