Water Reliability Plan Progress
Our ongoing investments to upgrade critical infrastructure and modernize our water distribution system will provide more secure and reliable water services for decades to come. This is the central theme of our multi-generational Water Reliability Plan, a $470 million initiative that will span several years and is Pittsburgh Water’s most significant undertaking since our system’s original installation. In 2025, this historic plan achieved some major milestones, including the dedication of the Highland Reservoir Pump Station and the official groundbreaking of the ABC Project.
The ABC Project
The ABC Project is the largest component of our multi-year Water Reliability Plan. The locations of the project's 3 focal points — Aspinwall Pump Station, Bruecken Pump Station, and The Clearwell — can be found on this map.
The ABC Project, named for its three major components (the Aspinwall Pump Station, Bruecken Pump Station, and the Clearwell Bypass), is our largest construction project in over a century, and will significantly improve the reliability, safety, and resilience of water service for hundreds of thousands of residents. Construction began in November 2025 and is expected to continue through 2029.
Aspinwall Pump Station
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.
Bruecken Pump Station
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.
Clearwell Bypass
A new bypass system will be constructed that will eventually allow us to take the Clearwell — an essential 44-million-gallon underground disinfection basin — offline for full replacement 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. The ABC Project is the single largest piece of our comprehensive Water Reliability Plan, and our largest construction project in over a century. The project’s completion is critical to achieving the Water Reliability Plan’s ultimate goal of replacing the Clearwell and ensuring safe, reliable water service for Pittsburgh, now and for decades to come.