PWSA Isolates Leak In System, Working To Find Exact Location

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority has isolated a leak in its system and is now working to identify the exact location of it.

Officials from the PWSA say earlier this week they noticed large drops in the water level at both the Highland Park 2 reservoir and the Lanpher reservoir on Koehler Street.

Even though they are two independent reservoirs, they are connected within the water system.

Officials say the drop in water levels led them to believe there is a leak somewhere in the system, and it is most likely a large leak.

The authority responded to the problem by closing off valves from both of the reservoirs to try and figure out exactly where the leak is. On Wednesday evening, PWSA officials said they isolated it in the Lanpher reservoir, because when the valves were closed, water levels began increasing at the Highland 2 reservoir.

The Lanpher reservoir service area serves approximately 45,000 residents north of the Allegheny River. Officials say drinking water is not affected at this time.

The PWSA says they are filling the Highland 2 reservoir to capacity, which can then provide water service to the Lanpher service area on Thursday, if needed. The authority is also mobilizing additional pumps over night to ensure adequate water pressure and supply.

PWSA workers are now trying to identify the exact location of the leak.

UPDATES can be found on the PWSA's website at this link.

This latest incident comes on the heels of another problem with the water system just about two weeks ago. That's when some 100,000 customers were under order to boil their water.

Lisa Washington's Report:

But the PWSA says right now water should not be affected as a result of this latest issue.

Four water tankers and 20 water trailers/buffaloes will be ready by morning. Reservoir holds more than enough water. Just being safe.

— bill peduto (@billpeduto) February 16, 2017

Due to the leak, the Lanpher service area is estimated to be losing approximately 10,000 gallons per minute.

Meanwhile, the office of the Pittsburgh City Controller says they will release the results of a performance audit of the PWSA on Thursday.

Officials say this audit has been in the works for some time now, and is not a result of the recent PWSA issues. They say it was wrapping up around the time the Boil Water Advisory was issued.

The audit will address issues within the last year, including the high levels of lead detected within the water supply. The results will be announced at a press conference at 11 a.m.

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