Stormwater Management Violations
$450,000 EPA Fine Hits Home
Pittsburgh Stormwater Crisis
Your Premier Pittsburgh Plumber brings urgent news affecting Pittsburgh homes and businesses. The EPA discovered major problems with Pittsburgh’s stormwater system, hitting our city with a $450,000 fine. These violations touch every corner of our community – from Downtown to McKees Rocks, affecting 825,000 neighbors across Pittsburgh and 82 nearby areas.
Stormwater System Challenges
40 years experience
Pittsburgh faces tough challenges with its stormwater system. The EPA found serious problems in how our city handles construction site water runoff and inspections. Now the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority must fix these issues fast. The city needs new stormwater controls and updated codes by July 2021. Every change must meet EPA standards by March 31, 2022.
The problems hit close to home. Construction sites need better erosion control. Post-construction water management needs work. These aren’t just government problems – they affect every Pittsburgh basement, yard, and street when heavy rains hit our city.
Pittsburgh’s Stormwater Emergency: What Every Homeowner Must Know
Dealing with a Drain Backup? (412) 388-2512 Call us today!
At WJ McNabb Plumbing, we’ve watched Pittsburgh’s stormwater crisis grow worse each year. Our city’s old sewer system, where waste and rain water flow through the same pipes, dumps 9 billion gallons of wastewater into our three rivers annually. After 40 years of fixing Pittsburgh’s plumbing problems, we’ve never seen challenges like these.
The Run area of Greenfield tells the story best. During heavy storms, basements flood and manhole covers shoot off sewers from sheer water pressure. These aren’t just once-in-a-lifetime storms anymore – they’re hitting Pittsburgh harder and more often than ever before.
Proper Stormwater
Take Greenfield, where we’ve worked countless emergency calls. The Water Authority switched from natural solutions to massive new storm pipes, some big enough to walk through. The floods of 2018 and 2019 proved why – sewage backed up into our rivers at record levels.
We’ve seen the damage firsthand. Just last July, one storm overwhelmed street drains, sending water straight into homes. Families lost treasured belongings. Basement walls cracked. Foundations shifted. That’s why we’re available for these emergencies – because we treat your home like our own.
Our growing city faces three major threats:
- Paved surfaces where rainwater can’t soak into the ground
- Overtaxed sewer pipes that can’t handle today’s rainfall
- Failing drainage systems damaging Pittsburgh homes
Pittsburgh's New Stormwater Solutions
The Water Authority started fresh in October 2020. They joined forces with Penn Praxis and The Water Center at Penn to tackle Pittsburgh’s water problems head-on. The city’s biggest names stepped up too – Heinz Endowments, Richard King Mellon Foundation, and Hillman Foundation all pitched in to make sure Pittsburgh residents got a say in fixing these problems.
2022 brought real results. Six major projects wrapped up across five Pittsburgh neighborhoods. Each project tackled what matters most:
-
- Stopping street floods before they start
- Keeping sewage out of basements
- Cleaning up Saw Mill Run’s water
- Making streets safer for walking
- Adding beauty back to our neighborhoods
The fixes work both above and below ground. Up top, special pavers let water soak through, while engineered soil and plants filter rainwater naturally. Underground, new systems of gravel, pipes, and tanks control water flow during big storms.
Today, 18 stormwater projects protect Pittsburgh homes and streets. Each piece fits together like a puzzle – from street-level fixes to underground systems. The Water Authority knocked down old barriers between departments, building one solid plan that grows with our city.
May 2022 brought new rules too. Fresh manuals and a stormwater ordinance spell out exactly what builders need to do. Every new project now follows a detailed Stormwater Design Manual to keep Pittsburgh’s water flowing right.
Pittsburgh’s Water Future: Your Family’s Home Matters
After 40 years fixing Pittsburgh’s toughest plumbing problems, we’ve watched our city tackle its biggest water challenge yet. Pittsburgh stepped up, turning EPA violations into real solutions for our neighbors across 82 local areas. Families who once dealt with flooded basements and backed-up sewers now see hope.
Remember the old days when Hills was still around and the Steelers were chasing that fifth ring? Pittsburgh’s changed since then. Today, six finished projects in five neighborhoods show what works – mixing natural solutions with heavy-duty pipes and tanks. Your home deserves that same care and protection. When water problems hit, call us at (412) 388-2512. We’ll treat your home like our own.
The Water Authority teamed up with Pittsburgh’s finest minds to build something lasting. Just like our family business grew from south hills roots to serve all of Pittsburgh, these improvements will protect Pittsburgh homes for generations. The March 2022 deadline marked just the start. Your Premier Pittsburgh Plumber stands ready to help your family handle whatever storms come our way.
Need Help With Stormwater Violations? Call (412) 388-2512
WJ McNabb Plumbing brings state and Allegheny County licensing to your stormwater challenges. For four decades, we’ve fixed Pittsburgh’s toughest water problems. That’s longer than some of today’s plumbers have been alive.
Our team masters the latest stormwater technology while holding tight to old-school Pittsburgh values. When water threatens your home, we show up within 24 hours for regular calls – even faster for emergencies. Every McNabb plumber wears the “Technician Seal of Safety,” protecting your home like it’s our own family’s.
From our South Hills roots, we’ve grown to serve Moon Township, Shadyside, and neighborhoods all across Pittsburgh. Just like we watched the Steelers build their dynasty, we’ve built our reputation one satisfied customer at a time. That’s why every job comes with our 100% satisfaction guarantee!
Ready to tackle your stormwater problems? Call WJ McNabb Plumbing at (412) 388-2512. Our Pittsburgh plumbers will check your situation, explain what needs fixing, and lay out a clear game plan. We keep you informed every step of the way, just like neighbors should.
Remember, when water hits your home, call Your Premier Pittsburgh Plumber. We’ve handled Pittsburgh’s toughest plumbing challenges since before the Pirates played at PNC Park.
Plumbing services can be expensive.
Are you postponing repairs because of the cost? Our licensed professionals guarantee high-quality service, upfront pricing, and 100% satisfaction. On top of all of this – we are family budget friendly.