PWSA, Duquesne Light pause shut-offs

The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority is extending a winter moratorium on water shut-offs by two months to ensure customers have water during the coronavirus pandemic.

PWSA on Friday announced it was waiving the winter moratorium’s income eligibility requirement and would not shut off water to any customer through May 31.

Additionally, Duquesne Light announced it is discontinuing all shut-offs through May. 1.

“We understand it’s a trying time for customers and are doing everything in our power to ease the burden of this public health crisis,” said David Johnson, Duquesne Light’s chief customer officer. “By canceling all shut-off activities, our customers can rest assured power will continue to flow to their homes.”

The water authority in past years has declared a moratorium on water shut-offs from Dec. 1 through March 31 for customers earning less than 250% of the federal poverty level, $64,375 for a family of four.

“Given the critical importance of personal hygiene to prevent the spread of covid-19 and the potential for economic disruptions that may present our customers with unique financial hardships that may affect their ability to pay on time, we feel this action is necessary and appropriate to ensure that no one is without water service at this critical time,” Paul Leger, the PWSA board chairman, said in a statement.

The authority warned that water and sewer fees would accrue throughout the moratorium, and customers will be held responsible for past-due balances and could face a service termination after the moratorium is lifted.

PWSA, in response to the coronavirus, is closing billing and permit counters at its offices in the Strip District until further notice. Customers can pay bills online, by mail, by phone, through a payment drop box at 1200 Penn Ave., and at remote payment locations at 7-Eleven or Family Dollar stores using the authority’s PayNearMe service.

Permit applications will be accepted by email PermitInfo@pgh2o.com.

The authority also is suspending work that requires its personnel to enter a customer’s home, with the exception of emergency situations.