Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority Rates Rising Nearly 14 Percent

PITTSBURGH, PA - Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority customers will pay nearly 14 percent more for water and sewage services after the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission unanimously approved the rate hike Thursday. The authority had requested an increase of more than 17 percent.

The rate hike means the average monthly residential bill will increase nearly $9, from $63.62 to $72.49. The increase will generate an additional $21 million per year for the authority.

The PUC did not disclose when the rate hike will go into effect for the authority’s 300,000 residential and business customers in Pittsubrhg and surrounding communities.

Last week, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro filed 161 criminal charges against the authority for failing to notify residents when the agency replaced lead water lines. That failure created health risks for affected households, he contended.

The authority and PUC on Thursday agreed to an ongoing program for the replacement of lead service lines, including the formation of the Community Lead Response Advisory Committee, and related coordination with the City of Pittsburgh.

The authority and PUC Also agreed on remedies to resolve customer service issues, including the modification of customer bills and revisions in customer termination notices.

Photo: Getty Images.

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