HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania will invest more than $284,000,000 in water infrastructure projects statewide, targeting aging systems, lead service lines, and pollution sources affecting drinking water and waterways.
What This Means for You
- Funding will upgrade drinking water and wastewater systems statewide
- Projects include lead pipe replacement and contamination cleanup
- Investments aim to improve water safety and reduce flooding risks
The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority approved $284,200,000 for 33 projects across 20 counties, supporting improvements to drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and environmental systems.
Drinking Water Upgrades
A significant portion of the funding will support drinking water improvements, including replacing lead service lines — pipes that can leach harmful metals into drinking water — and modernizing treatment systems.
Projects include:
- Replacement of hundreds to thousands of lead service lines in cities such as Pittsburgh, Allentown, and New Castle
- Installation of filtration systems to remove PFAS, a group of long-lasting synthetic chemicals linked to health risks, in Bucks County communities
- Development of new wells and waterlines to improve reliability and expand service
Several projects also aim to bring systems into compliance with water quality regulations and improve pressure, storage, and distribution capacity.
Wastewater System Improvements
Funding will also address wastewater infrastructure, focusing on reducing system failures and environmental pollution.
Projects include:
- Sewer rehabilitation in Pittsburgh neighborhoods to reduce overflow during heavy rain
- Construction of new treatment facilities and upgrades to existing plants in multiple counties
- Installation of ultraviolet disinfection systems to improve treatment efficiency
Many projects target “infiltration and inflow,” a condition where groundwater or stormwater enters sewer systems, increasing the risk of overflows and system strain.
Stormwater and Flood Mitigation
Stormwater projects will focus on reducing localized flooding and improving drainage systems.
Planned improvements include:
- Replacement of catch basins in Sharon to prevent sinkholes and flooding
- Drainage upgrades and culvert repairs in Northampton County
- Installation of rain gardens and basin conversions to improve water absorption and reduce runoff
Environmental Restoration Projects
Additional funding will support non-point source projects — pollution that comes from diffuse sources like runoff rather than a single discharge point.
In Montgomery County, a streambank restoration project will reduce sediment pollution, improve water quality, and help prevent flooding.
Funding Sources and Scope
The projects are funded through a combination of state and federal sources, including voter-approved funds, environmental programs, federal infrastructure legislation, and loan repayments from prior projects.
Officials said the investments will improve public health, support regulatory compliance, and strengthen local economies through infrastructure upgrades.
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