$193 million project to upgrade Pittsburgh’s drinking water system
Local officials, labor representatives and community leaders recently gathered along the Allegheny River to celebrate the start of construction on a key part of Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority’s $470 million modernization of the city’s century-old water pumping and distribution system. U.S. Rep. Summer Lee emphasized that the project represents a commitment to rebuilding Pittsburgh’s infrastructure with equity and community input at its core, ensuring access to safe, reliable drinking water for all residents.
The initiative, known as the ABC Project, is a $193 million effort that will renovate the Aspinwall Pump Station, replace the Bruecken Pump Station, and construct a new pipeline to improve water delivery around the treatment plant. These upgrades are crucial as the authority prepares to replace its nearly 100-year-old 44-million-gallon clearwell tank, which plays a central role in the city’s water treatment process. The improvements will help maintain uninterrupted water service and strengthen the system’s reliability for future generations.
