PITTSBURGH — Four Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority employees have been suspended after a temporary pump failure overnight Friday affected several of Pittsburgh’s eastern neighborhoods, Channel 11 News has learned.
The mechanical failure happened at the Bruecken pump station, resulting in low to no water pressure for customers in neighborhoods including Bloomfield, Friendship, Garfield, Morningside, Oakland, Shadyside and Swisshelm Park.
"I don't think we can wait any longer. This year, we have to restructure the entire authority," Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto said.
Peduto and PWSA Executive Director Bernard Lindstrom addressed the issue on Saturday and revealed that the employee suspensions are due to operator error.
"This lack of attention will not be tolerated at the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority. We will ensure that everyone who works for this authority is dedicated to doing their jobs and if they can't, they will no longer be an employee at PWSA," Lindstrom said.
The pump was returned to service early Saturday morning and water pressure levels are back to normal, the PWSA said.
Any customers who noticed brown or discolored water were being told to run their cold water tap until the water appears clear. PWSA said crews would open hydrants to clear any discolored water from the system.
Peduto said a task force is being assembled to examine how to best restructure the PWSA.