PWSA to provide free lead line replacements for eligible homeowners
Photo Credit: (MGN Online)
March 25, 2019
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Water and Sewage Authority is implementing a new program that will help eligible Pittsburgh residents replace their lead lines.
The program is possible due to $1.8 million that is a settlement from an enforcement action by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
The program is expected to replace 200 privately-owned lead lines throughout the PWSA’s territory. Publicly-owned lead lines are also expected to be replaced, with no additional cost.
The Dollar Energy Fund Inc. is also involved in the project and is reaching out to residents already enrolled in other PWSA assistance programs.
Residents who would like to have their lead lines replaced must go through a process of five steps to have their lines replaced.
Those steps are as follows:
- Contact Dollar Energy Fund at 866-762-2348 and tell them you’re interested in the Lead Service Line Replacement Project. Tenants can also qualify for this program with the homeowner’s permission to do work on their property.
- Dollar Energy representatives will ask for verification of your income. This will help them determine if you fall within the income guidelines.
- If you qualify, PWSA will review your service line material record to determine if you may have a lead line. PWSA may also visit your home to inspect for lead.
- If lead is found, they will set up a time to come to your property and replace the line. PWSA uses a trenchless method for over 95 percent of lead line replacements, which means there will be little to no disruption to your yard.
- A licensed plumber will complete a final inspection of the work.
Any family of four that makes less than $61,500 would be eligible to have their lines replaced for free. Along with full replacement of their lines, the family could expect a new side-walk pad and any necessary plumbing upgrades.
The PWSA must use all of the $1.8 million by November 2021.
