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Firm releases findings, reorganization options for PWSA

PITTSBURGH — The firm, hired by the city of Pittsburgh to study operations of the Pittsburgh Water & Sewage Authority, will present its initial findings to the public Monday.

IMG was selected in April to gather information on the operations of PWSA after the authority came under fire for a series of service issues.  The firm will make recommendations to the panel and look at possibly restructuring the authority.

Over the past year, the PWSA faced billing issues, non-compliance with federal water quality standards, crumbling buildings, outdated equipment, and system leaks.

Half of the 23 billion gallons of water produced every year never make it to the customers because of leaks.

The findings released Monday focused on eight restructuring options for the PWSA, and include everything from public to private and even outsourcing some select services.

The study also found that Pittsburgh’s water rates will have to increase over the coming decades, depending on the option selected by the panel.

A startling find was that 20 percent of the workers at PWSA are on on short term disability. The norm is 5 percent.

City Controller Michael Lamb said most of this isn't new and the time for talk is over.

"We know a lot of what needs to be done down there. We just have to get off the dime and start doing it," Lamb said.

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"The PWSA is at a crisis point after decades of neglect and mismanagement, and bold action is needed to save this asset and preserve safe drinking water for Pittsburgh residents for generations to come," Mayor Bill Peduto said in a release.  “We're not running from these problems any longer. This work by IMG, with support by the PWSA board, City Council and the Blue Ribbon Panel will find the solutions the public deserves. We are far from finding the right solution for Pittsburgh but today marks an important first step."

The next session is in September after the firm looks into the PWSA’s operations and finances.  The final findings will be released in November.