The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority has asked the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for approval to increase their water and sewer rates for the next two years.
If the PUC approves the request, PWSA says rates would increase by just over 17% over the course of two years. In 2022, the rate go up by 11.7% and in 2023, the rate would again increase by 5.4%.
In 2020, the PWSA began replacing lead service lines and aging water mains, constructing stormwater infrastructure, and rehabilitating sewer pipes that are a century old. They plan to continue that work in the coming years.
“As a publicly owned and controlled utility, every dollar we receive from our customers is invested back into your water systems,” said Will Pickering, PWSA’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our water infrastructure was built at the turn of the 20th century and has served us well. It is now time to rebuild our system for the next one hundred years so we can provide the quality water services that Pittsburgh expects and deserves.”
The PWSA says this is a minimal increase out of consideration for hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, the PWSA has also requested a monthly storm water fee.
If approved, the PWSA estimates that the monthly increase to a customer's bill in 2022 would range from $5.77 to $22.41, depending on line size and monthly usage.
Customers can expect more details on the proposed rate increase in their bill between April 13 and May 12.