PWSA adds more orthophosphate, warns of discolored water

The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority on Monday began adding a lead control chemical to the northern portion of its system and advised residents of the North Side and Millvale that they could temporarily see discolored drinking water.

PWSA started adding EPA-approved orthophosphate to the Lanpher Reservoir in Shaler. The chemical coats the inside of pipes to prevent lead from leaching into water and has been a major component in the authority’s plans to address lead contamination.

PWSA is adding the chemical in stages. The authority two weeks ago began adding orthophosphate to the Highland Park II Reservoir and will next address the Highland I Reservoir. Both reservoirs are in Highland Park.

Crews will be testing water throughout the process and flushing fire hydrants to clean the system.

Customers with discolored water should run cold water at the lowest point in their home for about 10 minutes or until the water clears. They should repeat the process after 30 minutes if the water does not clear up. If discoloration persists, they should call PWSA customer service at 412-255-2423.

PWSA has struggled since 2016 to reduce lead levels in water that exceeded a federal threshold of 15 parts per billion. The most recent test results released in January indicated lead levels of 20 ppb from July to December.

The authority is addressing the problem by replacing all lead waterlines in its service area, which includes about 300,000 people in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area, and by adding orthophosphate to water.