PITTSBURGH WATER & SEWER AUTHORITY

consolidate redundant departments , such as the two divisions handling water and sewage . Previously , the water and sewage departments existed in almost wholly separate areas of the organization , having different directors , supervisors and even facilities .

“ If you can fix a pipe , you can fix a pipe , whether it ’ s water or sewage ,” Good said . “ It doesn ’ t matter if it ’ s a water main or a sewer main , so we merged everyone together .”

That simple idea has a large impact for PWSA . Another is the separation of PWSA property and employees into above-ground and underground assets .

“ This also will improve the repair process and shorten the repair times ,” Good said . “ We ’ ll know faster if we need a water truck driver or we need a water pipeman , for example .” Good is also trying to do away with regular laborers , instead opting for job placement opportunities in higher areas of the department and providing a clearer path up the career ladder .

“ It gives them a pay bump and it gives us more flexibility because now they have the ability and the endorsements to do more ,” he said . “ So it benefits both ends .”

The Greener Future These days it ’ s difficult to discuss the environment or climate without some sort of call to action . But regardless of the stance one takes on climate change , it simply makes good sense for a water authority that relies on finite resources to do whatever it can to conserve and protect .

That line of thought led to PWSA ’ s introduction of a series of green charrettes — forums with the foremost experts in green water and sewage technology discussing major issues means of making

– Jim Good , Executive Director www . pgh2o . com 85