PWSA leverages trenchless tech and strict shutoffs to drive lead line replacements

PWSA leverages trenchless tech and strict shutoffs to drive lead line replacementsThe Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority has replaced nearly 12,300 private-side lead service lines to date, relying heavily on trenchless installation methods and robust PennVEST funding to sustain its massive capital program.

Over 90% of private-side lead service line replacements are executed using trenchless methods, including cable pulling (71%) and pneumatic moling (26%).

PWSA is enforcing a Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission mandate to terminate water service for customers who refuse private-side replacements to avoid hazardous partial replacements.

The board approved a $23.9 million contract package for the 2025 small diameter water main replacement project.

Capital expenditures through July 2026 reached $134.6 million, with 75% funded by PennVEST grants and low-interest loans.

The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) is aggressively scaling its lead service line replacement (LSLR) program, driven by high rates of trenchless installation and strict regulatory compliance measures. During an August 28 board meeting, the engineering department reported that 15,946 public and 12,278 private-side lead service lines have been replaced through late August 2026. The utility currently manages 11 active construction contracts involving lead replacements. To minimize surface disturbance and lower the risk of hitting existing utilities, PWSA contractors are utilizing trenchless methods for the vast majority of private property work. According to Rachel Beam of the engineering department, a cable-pulling method has been used successfully in 71% of private-side installations since late 2018. An additional 26% of private lines have been installed using pneumatic moling, leaving open-trench excavations necessary for only about 3% of private-side replacements. The utility is also strictly enforcing a termination program for non-compliant properties. Because environmental regulatory agencies strongly discourage partial lead line replacements—which can temporarily spike lead levels in drinking water—the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission requires PWSA to terminate water service if a customer refuses to sign a replacement agreement or remains nonresponsive. To manage scheduling disruptions, PWSA utilizes an extensive 37-day notification process prior to contractor mobilization. To date, service terminations have only been required at vacant locations. The LSLR program is a major driver of the utility's capital spending, which reached $134.6 million through July 2026. Ed Barca of the finance department noted that $100 million of this expenditure was funded by PennVEST through grants and low-interest loans. To sustain this momentum, the board approved resolutions to secure further PennVEST borrowing for the lead and non-lead portions of the upcoming 2025 small diameter water main replacement project. Consequently, the board awarded a $23.9 million capital contract and construction management agreement for the 2025 project to Independent Enterprises and Hatch Associates Consultants. In other wet-weather business, the board approved a $1.18 million design contract to GHD for the rehabilitation of six combined sewer outfalls found to be in poor condition, a project deemed necessary to meet future consent decree obligations.