Edward Barca, CPA, Director of Finance
Pittsburgh Water
Pittsburgh Water
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Pittsburgh, PA – Pittsburgh Water has officially launched the construction phase of the $193 million ABC Project, a major part of its Water Reliability Plan to modernize and protect Pittsburgh’s drinking water system for generations to come. With today’s formal kickoff, actual construction will begin later this fall.
The ABC Project brings together three major upgrades to Pittsburgh’s water system: a major overhaul of the Aspinwall Pump Station including preservation of the building’s historic façade and architectural features; building a new pump station to replace the existing Bruecken Pump Station; and the installation of a new pipeline to bypass the Clearwell at the Water Treatment Plant. Together, these efforts will restore vital pumping power and boost the reliability of water distribution for the entire city.
"We are excited to reach this major milestone that moves the ABC Project from planning to construction," said Pittsburgh Water CEO Will Pickering. "Beyond strengthening our water infrastructure, this investment will enhance public health by providing safer, more dependable water access for our communities. It also supports local economic growth - creating meaningful jobs, boosting resilience, and laying the foundation for a more sustainable future."
Pittsburgh Water has received $248 million in low interest loans from state and federal partners to construct the ABC Project. Over time, this funding will save ratepayers millions of dollars in comparison to traditional financing sources. The ABC Project is forecasted to generate more than 1,300 jobs and stimulate an estimated $300 million in economic output throughout the Pittsburgh region.
The contracts for this work were awarded to Mascaro Construction Company, Right Electric, SSM Industries, and Guy’s Mechanical Systems. The construction effort is expected to span four years, with completion anticipated in 2029.
As part of our commitment to delivering safe, dependable water to every home and business in Pittsburgh, we’re making major upgrades to key facilities that power the city’s water system.
Work at the Aspinwall Pump Station will improve water reliability for thousands of customers. These upgrades will help to ensure consistent service during peak demand and extreme weather, while preserving the historic character of the building that’s been part of Pittsburgh’s infrastructure for generations.
The utility is replacing the aging Bruecken facility with a modern, energy-efficient station designed to support future growth and reduce the risk of service interruptions. The new building will enhance system performance and security, helping to deliver clean water more reliably to neighborhoods across the city.
The Clearwell, a vital part of Pittsburgh’s water disinfection process, will be replaced for the first time since its construction in 1912. The construction of the Clearwell Bypass is a necessary step to guarantee water quality and reliability during the Clearwell reconstruction, which is currently slated to begin in 2030.
The ABC Project is an important part of Pittsburgh Water’s comprehensive Water Reliability Plan, a $470 million effort with the ultimate goal of replacing the Clearwell and thus ensuring the region has reliable water service now and in the future.
The first Water Reliability Plan projects, including upgrades to critical water storage and distribution infrastructure, were finished in 2023. Currently, contractors are finishing the Highland Reservoir Pump Station, which is the first major new water facility in 20 years.
To learn more about the Water Reliability Plan please visit pgh2o.com/WRP. To learn how to work or do business with Pittsburgh Water, please visit pgh2o.com/doing-business.
