Hatch provides construction management services for transformative Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) system project

Project received recognition from US vice president, Kamala Harris, in recent visit to site

April 9, 2024

Hatch-provides-construction-management-services-for-transformative-Pittsburgh-Water 
“US vice president, Kamala Harris, Environmental Protection Agency administrator, Michael Regan, and lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania Austin Davis with PWSA representatives and the construction team”
The project team received recognition for the achievements of the PWSA system, including acknowledgment from US vice president, Kamala Harris, for its clean water initiatives and lead service line replacements.  

Hatch is providing construction management services for the transformative PWSA system project. The project scope includes eliminating and replacing lead service lines and installing new water lines throughout PWSA’s drinking water service area. The construction team is also replacing inoperable valves within this area to optimize operational efficiency while minimizing disruptions for customers. The goal is to replace aging infrastructure while maintaining a safe work environment for all.  

Hatch is leading a team to provide construction management and construction inspection services. 

Through execution of multiple lead service line replacements and water system upgrade projects over the past eight years, PWSA has achieved significant positive outcomes:  

  • Replaced more than 10,778 public and 7,578 private lead water lines since 2016, resulting in a significant decrease in lead levels. PWSA is halfway toward the goal of replacing all lines within the coverage area, which includes most of the city of Pittsburgh, and the entire borough of Millvale. 
  • Recent testing revealed lead levels at a historic low of 3.58 parts per billion, from 15 parts per billion in 2016, which had prompted federal action.  
  • Recognized for its success by US vice president, Kamala Harris, during an award of over $32 million to Pittsburgh, emphasizing the importance of water infrastructure improvements for public health.  
In commenting about the success of this project at the award ceremony, Vice President Harris said no American, regardless of income, should have to drink from lead pipes, and praised Pittsburgh’s success in replacing the water service lines, saying, “It is an infrastructure matter, but it is also a public health matter.” 

These outcomes underscore Hatch and PWSA’s shared, steadfast commitment to pursuing a better world through positive change. The solutions currently under development are aimed at safeguarding water quality now and in the future.