Kiera Jefferson
Pittsburgh's waterways have a history of poor water quality, with the city's three rivers—the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela—and their tributaries being particularly susceptible to pollution from industrial activity, sewage overflows, and acid mine runoff. A recent study by the University of Pittsburgh identified over three dozen possible pollutants in these waterways, including rare toxic metals like cadmium, which is associated with the production of coke, a key ingredient in steelmaking. Other contaminants found in Pittsburgh's tap water include chromium 6, disinfection byproducts, lead, chloramine, and various chemicals linked to cancer and birth defects. While efforts are being made to improve water quality, Pittsburgh's industrial past and geographical location continue to pose challenges, underscoring the need for comprehensive solutions to protect the health of its residents and the environment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pollutants | Acid mine runoff, sewage overflows, rare toxic metals (cadmium), chromium 6, lead, mercury, PCBs, dioxins, nitrogen, phosphorus, pathogens, silt, halogenated emerging contaminants (Trihalomethanes), heavy metals |
| Sources of pollution | Abandoned mines, industrial sites, coke production facilities, urban runoff due to lack of vegetation along riverbanks |
| Impact | Harmful to aquatic life, prevents recreation, unsafe for drinking or fish consumption, increases cancer risk, may harm human development |
| Mitigation efforts | Allegheny County Sanitary Authority plans to remove billions of gallons of sewage runoff, recommendations to require polluting industries to reduce use of toxic chemicals and update pollution control standards |
| Water treatment | Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority treats and distributes 70 million gallons of water daily, special water filters can be used to remove certain contaminants |
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What You'll Learn
Industrial activity and sewage overflow
Pittsburgh's waterways have been integral to the city's history, from the industrial era to the present. The city's economic, cultural, and environmental identity is closely tied to its rivers. However, industrial activities and sewage overflows have historically impacted the water quality of Pittsburgh's rivers and streams.
Industrial Activity
Pittsburgh's industrial past has left a legacy of pollution in its waterways. The city was once a major manufacturing center, particularly known for its steel production. As a result, the rivers and streams have been contaminated with pollutants associated with industrial activities.
A recent study by the Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory at the University of Pittsburgh found high levels of cadmium, a toxic metal linked to coke production, in the water near historical coking sites. Coke is a key ingredient in steelmaking, and the study highlights how industrial activities have directly impacted the water quality.
In addition, a report by PennEnvironment identified Pennsylvania facilities among the top river polluters in the nation. Eastman Chemical, a chemical company located just 16 miles outside of Pittsburgh, was listed as the second-worst polluter, exposing the Mon River to chemicals such as zinc, aluminum, and nitrate.
Sewage Overflow
Pittsburgh's combined sewer systems, which carry both stormwater and wastewater, have also contributed to water pollution. During heavy rainfall or snowmelt, the sewage collection systems can become overloaded, resulting in raw sewage overflowing into the rivers and streams. This issue is not unique to Pittsburgh, as many cities in the United States adopted combined sewer systems in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) is working to address the problem of sewage overflows. They are investing in projects like the Hillcrest Street green infrastructure project, which is expected to reduce combined sewer overflows into the rivers by 800,000 gallons per year. However, it is estimated that it will cost billions of dollars to fully address the issue, and ratepayers will bear the cost through increased sewer rates.
In summary, Pittsburgh's water quality has been impacted by a combination of industrial activities and sewage overflows. While efforts are being made to mitigate these issues, there is still a long way to go to ensure that the city's residents have access to safe and clean water.
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Chromium 6 and other toxic metals
Chromium-6, also known as hexavalent chromium, is a toxic metal that has been detected in the water supplies of over 200 million Americans across all 50 states, as well as in Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Chromium-6 is a form of the element chromium that is typically produced by industrial processes but can also occur naturally. It is commonly used for anti-corrosion metal coating, wood preservation, and textile dyeing. Natural gas compression stations also use chromium-6 as an anti-corrosion agent in cooling water.
In 2008, the National Toxicology Program found a significant increase in stomach and intestinal tumors in rats and mice that consumed chromium-6 in drinking water. Following this, in 2015, California scientists reported an increased risk of stomach cancer in workers exposed to chromium-6. The EPA also concluded in a 2010 health assessment that even relatively low doses of chromium-6 could increase the risk of cancer. As a result, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has been urging the EPA to regulate chromium-6 in tap water to protect public health.
In addition to chromium-6, other toxic metals have been found in Pittsburgh's waters. A study by the Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory at the University of Pittsburgh found that acid mine runoff and sewage overflows into rivers adversely impact the streams feeding into Pittsburgh's three rivers: the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio. These streams were found to have additional contamination from rare toxic metals, such as cadmium, associated with the production of coke, an essential ingredient in steelmaking.
The study collected samples from 25 different sites during each season, as weather patterns can influence the types and amounts of pollutants present. The results showed that most of the cadmium in the water was near two historical coking sites: Neville Island, home to the former Shenango Coke Works, and U.S. Steel's Clairton Coke Works, the largest active coke production facility in the US. While the levels of cadmium did not exceed safe drinking water limits, it can accumulate in the flesh of fish consumed by humans, posing potential health risks.
The findings from the Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory's study provide valuable insights into the contaminants in Pittsburgh-area streams and the necessary remediation efforts. By addressing these pollutants, Pittsburgh can improve the water quality of its rivers and protect the health and well-being of its residents and the surrounding communities.
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Nutrient pollution
The Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory at the University of Pittsburgh conducted a study examining over three dozen possible pollutants at 25 different tributaries and sewage outfalls. This study revealed that the impacts of acid mine runoff and sewage overflow continue to adversely affect the streams, with additional contamination from rare toxic metals like cadmium, associated with coke production for steelmaking. The variability of nutrient pollution across sampled tributaries was notable, with some smaller streams exhibiting extremely poor water quality due to an overabundance of nutrients.
The intricate chemistry of rivers is crucial in shaping their water quality and, consequently, the health of the surrounding ecosystem and communities. The industrial history of southwestern Pennsylvania has left a legacy of pollution in these waterways, and understanding the extent of nutrient pollution is essential for formulating effective strategies to protect and restore Pittsburgh's rivers.
Addressing nutrient pollution is a complex task. Sources of nutrient pollution can vary, and a comprehensive understanding of the specific sources contributing to the issue is necessary to implement effective solutions. Additionally, the impact of weather patterns on the types and amounts of pollution found in the water bodies cannot be understated. Dry weather, for instance, can increase the concentration of pollutants in the water.
Mitigating nutrient pollution in Pittsburgh's waterways is crucial for the city's environmental, cultural, and recreational well-being. By recognizing and addressing the challenges posed by nutrient pollution, Pittsburgh can ensure the continued availability of safe and clean water for its residents and preserve the natural beauty of its rivers.
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Acid mine drainage
A study by the Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory at the University of Pittsburgh found that acid mine runoff and sewage overflows continue to adversely impact the streams that feed into Pittsburgh's three rivers: the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers. This acid mine drainage (AMD) is caused by the oxidation of iron sulfide and results in reddish-orange water that is toxic to most aquatic life, severely impacting the environment.
AMD is a significant issue in Pennsylvania, with the state being ranked as the worst in the nation for it. The dangerous runoff from abandoned coal mines can include arsenic, selenium, heavy metals, and oxygen-completing compounds. These contaminants make water uninhabitable for fish and wildlife, and Pennsylvania's Bureau of Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation (BAMR) has had to step in to construct mine drainage treatment systems to restore impaired streams and estuaries.
The intricate chemistry of rivers plays a pivotal role in shaping their water quality and, consequently, the health of the environment and human communities. The comprehensive analysis of AMD in Pittsburgh's waterways highlights the far-reaching consequences of AMD, including acidic waters and heavy metal contamination. This understanding is crucial for formulating strategies to mitigate its impact, protect drinking water sources, and preserve the ecological balance of the rivers.
One example of a treatment approach for AMD is the high-density sludge (HDS) process, which takes advantage of surface chemistry reactions to cause dissolved pollutants to adsorb and precipitate on the surface of the recirculated sludge, increasing density and settling rates. However, this method can add unnecessary costs, and other treatment systems, such as the solids CONTACT CLARIFIER™, may be used to achieve solid/liquid separation for mine drainage with low metal concentrations.
By addressing the issue of AMD, Pittsburgh can safeguard its drinking water sources and preserve the natural beauty and recreational activities that its waterways provide, promoting tourism and supporting the city's economic and cultural identity, which is closely intertwined with its rivers.
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Lead contamination
Pittsburgh's water crisis has been largely attributed to lead contamination. The water supply in Pittsburgh has suffered from various contaminants, but lead has been the most persistent pollutant. The primary source of lead in the water is the old lead service lines that connect homes to the water mains in the street. About a quarter of PWSA customers receive their water supply through these lead pipes, putting a significant portion of the population at risk of lead consumption.
The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) first exceeded the U.S. EPA lead action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb) in 2016. This level of lead exposure poses serious health risks, especially to children and pregnant women. Infants and children can experience decreases in IQ and attention span, and lead exposure can cause new learning and behaviour problems or worsen existing ones. Adults can experience increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney or nervous system problems.
In response to the lead crisis, PWSA introduced orthophosphate in 2018 to improve corrosion control in lead service lines. Orthophosphate is a food-grade additive that has been effective in reducing corrosion from lead pipes. PWSA has also been replacing lead service lines, with over 13,000 public lead service lines replaced since 2016 and a goal of replacing all residential lead service lines by 2027. The authority also provides free lead testing kits and maintains an interactive lead map for public awareness.
Despite these efforts, lead contamination remains a concern. Construction on public lines can disturb private lines, breaking up the lining within the pipes meant to prevent lead erosion. As a result, both public and private lines must be replaced, a lengthy and expensive endeavour that could cost close to $400 million. In the meantime, orthophosphate is being added to the water to reduce lead corrosion.
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Frequently asked questions
The city's three rivers—the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela—and their tributaries are especially at risk of pollution from industrial activity, sewage overflows, and acid mine runoff.
A range of pollutants have been identified in Pittsburgh's waters, including toxic metals such as cadmium and chromium 6, disinfection byproducts, lead, and nutrients.
The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) checks for 100 contaminants daily and conducts 3,000 tests per month. The Allegheny County Sanitary Authority also has plans to remove billions of gallons of sewage runoff from the area’s sanitary system. Additionally, residents can use water filters to improve their tap water quality.
