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Duquesne Working to Correct Sewer, Water Issues
By Paul Wintruba
The Tube City Almanac
February 16, 2022
Posted in: Duquesne News
Duquesne officials are working to resolve questions that residents may have about their water and sewerage bills.
At Tuesday’s city council meeting, Councilman Aaron Adams said “the most recent sewer bill that went out to everyone should be correct.”
Some residents have reported their sewerage bills are higher than their water bills, he said. Pennsylvania American Water Co., which treats wastewater, has higher rates than the city’s water department, Adams said.
The city of Duquesne is delaying water shut-offs for two weeks while issues with billing are dealt with, he said.
The only reasons for citizens having their water shut off at that time is if they do not have an account with the water company, if their landlord has an issue with outstanding bills, or in the event of an emergency, Adams said.
Adams said he will be available to meet with citizens to discuss issues with their sewer bills from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday at city hall, and again at 8 a.m. Monday.
In addition, city employees will soon be going door to door in order to address issues with malfunctioning water meters, Adams said. Workers will be checking the meters for accuracy, which the city hopes will help address disparities in water and sewage bills.
City council is asking for residents’ cooperation with the employees as they repair and replace meters.
Anyone with concerns about having people in their home should call city hall, and accommodations will be made, Adams said.
In related business, Adams reported that recent water samples in two locations showed a high level of chemicals known as TTHM, or trihalomethanes. Adams said the water is safe and that the city is working to purchase a new pump for the device that puts chlorine into the drinking water, which should help resolve the problem.
Council approved the purchase of a $5,800 leak detection device for the water department. The leak detection device is expected to help detect issues in water service faster and cut down on overtime expenditures by addressing issues in a more timely manner, officials said.
Adams said some households may qualify for low-income water assistance, and that flyers with information about that program are available at city hall.
Paul Wintruba is a freelance photographer and writer based in Penn Hills. His website is at www.paulwintrubaphotography.com. He can be reached at pwintrubastudio@gmail.com.
Originally published February 16, 2022.
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