South Side Slope neighbors frustrated after 3rd water main break this summer in same spot

PITTSBURGH — A water main break along Arlington Avenue in Pittsburgh’s South Side Slopes has shut off the water for some residents.

Neighbors say it’s the third water main break this summer, and they are growing frustrated living without water.

Two of the water main breaks, including Thursday’s, were lines from Pennsylvania American Water. The first was on June 17.

“It’s the cost of no water. My wife and I are both disabled, so it makes things a lot more difficult, especially when we have to carry water in for drinking,” said Donald Dieterle.

Dieterle’s wife, Robyn, says they’ve learned to try and prepare for these now-common water main breaks.

“When we first found out the water was gushing out of the street, we tried to fill up our bathtub,” said Robyn Dieterle.

Robyn Dieterle says they hope there can be a more permanent fix.

“They’re jacking up prices for the water we are paying for it and they’re not fixing it right.”

Neighbors said that during the last water main break, there was a sinkhole in the middle of the road.

Around 100 customers are impacted by this break, and water is expected to be restored this afternoon.

In a statement to WPXI, Pennsylvania American Water said, “...We continually assess our inventory and evaluate factors like the condition of lines, frequency of leaks, fire protection, and system demands to prioritize infrastructure investments. In 2024 alone, we invested more than $675 million in system upgrades across the commonwealth, including nearly $34 million in water main replacement projects in Allegheny County, to help reduce service interruptions and enhance system reliability for the communities we serve. Pennsylvania American Water remains focused on delivering safe, reliable service and will continue investing in the infrastructure supporting our communities’ health and resilience.”

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