Allegheny County, PA – State Senators Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) and Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today announced the approval of $10 million in funding through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) to support Phase 4 of the Wilkinsburg-Penn Joint Water Authority’s Lead Service Line Replacement Project.
The investment will allow the Authority to replace approximately 1,000 residential lead service lines with new copper lines, improving drinking water quality and public health for communities throughout Allegheny County. Construction is expected to begin in May 2026, with completion anticipated by July 2027.
“This investment is about protecting families and ensuring that everyone has access to safe, clean drinking water,” said Senator Costa. “By replacing lead service lines, we’re making a long-term commitment to public health, infrastructure reliability, and affordability for the communities we serve.”
The project will benefit residents across Wilkinsburg, Braddock, Braddock Hills, Chalfant, Churchill, East Pittsburgh, Edgewood, Forest Hills, Rankin, Swissvale, Trafford, Turtle Creek, Wilmerding, Wilkins Township, North Versailles Township, Monroeville, Penn Hills, and the City of Pittsburgh.
Senator Pisciottano emphasized the importance of state investments in aging infrastructure.
“Many of our communities are still dealing with water systems that are decades old,” Senator Pisciottano said. “This PENNVEST funding helps modernize critical infrastructure while keeping costs manageable for ratepayers, and it moves us closer to removing the risk of lead exposure.”
The $10 million PENNVEST package includes approximately $6.13 million in low-interest loans and $3.87 million in grant funding, significantly reducing the financial burden on customers while ensuring compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule. Without this assistance, user rates would have increased substantially.
The Wilkinsburg-Penn Joint Water Authority currently serves more than 37,000 residential customers and continues to work toward replacing all remaining lead service lines within its system.
The senators emphasized that the investment represents a meaningful commitment to public health, environmental protection, and the long-term stability of the region’s water infrastructure, ensuring safer drinking water and more reliable service for families across Allegheny County.