PWSA Increases Limit for Income-Qualified Free Lead Line Replacements

Change will make more customers eligible for the program.

Pittsburgh, PA – The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) has gained approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to increase the income limit for its income-qualified free lead line replacement program to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. The limit was previously 250%. This change will allow more customers to benefit from this service, which replaces private lead service lines at no charge to the customer.

This $1.8 million program aims to replace private lead service lines for customers who cannot afford it. Crews inspect the water service line coming into the property. If lead is found, it will be replaced with a non-lead material. If some small plumbing upgrades are needed, those will also be made for the customer free of charge. The Authority has partnered with Dollar Energy to approve customers for the program, as well as the Authority’s other customer assistance programs like the winter moratorium on water shutoffs and the bill discount program.

To date, only approximately $800,000 of the $1.8 million has been spent. PWSA encourages anyone who thinks they may qualify to call Dollar Energy at 866-762-2348 to begin the process.

*The income qualification process for the Free Lead Service Line Replacement Program is based on income and household size.*

Other Resources from PWSA’s Community Lead Response

Test your tap water for free. Kits can be requested at www.pgh2o.com/leadform or by calling our Lead Help Desk at 412.255.8987.Search the records we have for residential properties at lead.pgh2o.com. Some of the records are from the time of original construction and may be out-of-date, but it’s useful to see if you may have a lead service line. A licensed plumber can also inspect the private line entering your home.
If you think you have a lead service line, run your cold tap for at least one minute before using water for cooking or drinking. You can also use water filters certified to remove lead. Coupons for filters can be found here: https://lead.pgh2o.com/resources/lead-filters-and-other-products/

Funds for this program are available from a settlement of an enforcement action between PWSA and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.