Edward Barca, CPA, Director of Finance
Pittsburgh Water
Pittsburgh Water
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Pittsburgh, PA - Today, Pittsburgh Water gathered with elected officials, community leaders, and representatives from labor and professional organizations to officially launch the ABC Project — a transformative initiative and cornerstone of the Authority’s Water Reliability Plan. The official kick-off of this $193 million multi-year construction investment comes as the result of a years-long process of planning, strategizing, careful design, and permitting, intricately sequenced to ensure consistent service for Pittsburgh Water customers.
The ABC Project - named for its three major components, the Aspinwall Pump Station, Bruecken Pump Station, and the Clearwell Bypass - will modernize critical elements of Pittsburgh’s drinking water treatment and distribution system. Once complete, the project will significantly improve the reliability, safety, and resilience of water service for hundreds of thousands of residents.
“Today’s groundbreaking is more than a ceremonial milestone. It represents our commitment to delivering safe, reliable water to Pittsburghers for generations to come,” said Pittsburgh Water CEO Will Pickering. “This project would not be possible without the dedicated team and stakeholders behind it. Through strategic investment, meticulous planning, and strong partnerships across public and private sectors, we’re breaking ground on the most ambitious project Pittsburgh Water has undertaken since our distribution system was installed more than a century ago.”
At today’s event Congresswoman Summer Lee, Mayor Ed Gainey, PENNVEST Executive Director Robert Boos, and Secretary, Treasurer of Pittsburgh Building Trades Tom Platt, joined Pittsburgh Water CEO Will Pickering and Chief of Engineering Rachael Beam at the podium.
Among the audience, more than 20 representatives from labor unions and the building trades stood in solidarity and were recognized for their role in bringing this project to life. Others from the project team also attending include Mascaro Construction CEO John Mascaro, Jr., Michael Baker International CEO Brian Lutes, and representatives from the design engineer firm Brown and Caldwell also attended.
Celebrating this milestone with the Authority includes Pittsburgh Water’s board of directors, State Senator Lindsey Williams, State Representative Lindsay Powell, and Laura Sohinki, Southwest Regional Director with Governor Shapiro’s Office, as well as numerous stakeholders and community representatives who work closely with Pittsburgh Water.
“The ABC Project is more than an infrastructure upgrade — it’s a commitment to equity, public health, and environmental justice,” said Congresswoman Summer Lee. “For too long, underserved communities have lived with aging water systems. This project is a promise that every family, no matter their zip code, deserves clean, reliable water.”
This historic facility will undergo a comprehensive overhaul, including the replacement of pumps, motors, switchgear, and piping. A new chemical building will be constructed to replace the existing fluoride building. Stormwater improvements and architectural preservation efforts will ensure the building’s historic character is maintained while enhancing its operational performance.
The aging Bruecken facility will be replaced with a new, three-story, energy-efficient building designed to house modern pumps, large-diameter piping, and advanced electrical and control systems. The new station will include upgraded lighting, HVAC, plumbing, fire suppression, and security systems, ensuring long-term reliability and support for future growth.
A new bypass system will be constructed to allow Pittsburgh Water to take the Clearwell—an essential 44-million-gallon underground disinfection basin—offline for full replacement in the near future as the capstone project of the Water Reliability Plan. The bypass includes 144-inch and 84-inch diameter pipes, an overflow structure, and three bypass vaults, all designed to maintain water quality and service continuity during the Clearwell’s reconstruction.
“This project is the result of years of planning, engineering, and collaboration — and it’s a major step forward in modernizing our water system,” said Pittsburgh Water’s Chief Engineering Officer Rachael Beam. “Once complete, the improvements at our Aspinwall Pump Station, replacement of the Bruecken Pump Station, and construction of the Clearwell Bypass will work together to enhance system reliability, improve water quality, and increase operational flexibility as we work toward completing the remaining steps of our expansive Water Reliability Plan.”.
Construction is expected to continue through 2029. The project is forecasted to generate more than 1,300 jobs and stimulate nearly $300 million in regional economic output. Funding includes $248 million in low-interest loans from state and federal partners, helping to reduce long-term costs for ratepayers.
“Major infrastructure improvements like the ABC Project put skilled tradespeople to work and create real opportunities for local workers,” said Tom Platt Secretary, Treasurer of Pittsburgh Building Trades. “We’re proud to be part of building something that will serve Pittsburgh for decades to come, and we appreciate the commitment from Pittsburgh Water and the Commonwealth to invest in union labor and family-sustaining jobs.”
“This project is a win for Pittsburgh and a win for Pennsylvania. It’s going to create good-paying jobs, strengthen our economy, and ensure that families and businesses have access to safe, reliable water for generations to come,” said PENNVEST Executive Director Robert Boos. “Through state-level support from PENNVEST, we’re helping to get critical infrastructure projects like this across the finish line while keeping costs down for ratepayers. This is what smart, equitable investment looks like.”
The ABC Project is a key phase of the $470 million Water Reliability Plan, laying the groundwork for this multi-year initiative to modernize Pittsburgh’s water system and ensure uninterrupted service during future upgrades, including the full replacement of the Clearwell.
"The ABC Project is a powerful example of what's possible when we invest in our people and our neighborhoods,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey. "Reliable water service is a basic necessity, and this project ensures that every Pittsburgher, no matter where they live, can count on safe, clean water. I’m grateful to see Pittsburgh Water advancing infrastructure that not only creates jobs and strengthens communities, but also builds a more equitable future for all of us.”
To learn more about the Water Reliability Plan, visit pgh2o.com/WRP. For information on contracting and business opportunities, visit pgh2o.com/doing-business.
