Pittsburgh Water Completes Major Improvements at Lanpher Reservoir

Pittsburgh, PA - Pittsburgh Water has completed improvements at the Lanpher Reservoir, modernizing one of the utility's most critical drinking water assets. The upgrades bring new tools, technology, and resiliency to the system - helping to provide reliable operations and consistently high-quality water to several Pittsburgh neighborhoods.

The work included construction of a new water quality facility, installation of new flow meters and monitoring equipment, and upgrades within the reservoir's two storage cells. The improvements provide more accurate, real-time monitoring of water moving through the reservoir, helping Pittsburgh Water operate the system more efficiently while supporting reliable service for customers.

"These improvements strengthen one of the most important facilities in our drinking water system and represent another investment in providing safe, reliable service for the communities we serve," said Pittsburgh Water CEO Will Pickering. "Modern infrastructure helps ensure we can continue delivering high-quality drinking water today and well into the future."

Lanpher Reservoir is a 133-million-gallon covered reservoir that supplies drinking water to Pittsburgh Water's service area north of the Allegheny River. It also supports other facilities throughout the distribution system, including McNaugher Reservoir, Spring Hill Tank, and the Brashear Tanks.

The reservoir is divided into two storage cells, allowing one to remain in service while maintenance and improvements are completed in the other. Work began in November 2024 when the East Cell was drained. After improvements were completed, the cell was refilled and returned to service in August 2025. Crews then completed similar work in the West Cell, which returned to service in June 2026.

Alongside the reservoir improvement, Pittsburgh Water constructed a new facility near the Bauerstown Baseball and Softball Fields to replace aging equipment within the reservoir gatehouse. The new facility incorporates modern monitoring and automated technology that allows employees to respond more efficiently as water use and system conditions change throughout the day.

The building was designed to complement the surrounding community, with the architectural features inspired by the existing ballfield pavilion and concession stand.

With both reservoir cells back in service and the new facility fully operational, the improvements will support safe, reliable drinking water and more efficient operations for years to come.