PWSA customers could experience discolored water as authority adds lead control chemical

Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority customers could experience temporary water discoloration as the authority adds a lead control chemical to drinking water, officials said Tuesday.

PWSA started adding EPA-approved orthophosphate to the Highland Park II reservoir in Highland Park, which feeds approximately 25 percent of the authority’s system. 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 and advised customers that they could see temporary discoloration in their water. Crews will be testing water throughout the process.

Customers with discoloration 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.

PWSA in coming weeks will add orthophosphate to its Lanpher Reservoir in Shaler and Highland I Reservoir, also in Highland Park.