Dear Friends of District 7, Many of you have either replaced sewer lines yourself or know neighbors that have. This is an extremely expensive repair that can create tremendous hardship for homeowners. Well, Councilman Dowd, a Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority Board member, is excited to announce good news for PWSA customers. Beginning January 1st, all PWSA ratepayers will receive COMPLETE coverage on their water service line and sewer lateral lines. Beginning in 2010, for about $5 a month, PWSA customers will be completely insured in the event of a water or sewer lateral line failure or collapse. More details below and coming soon from PWSA. Sincerely, Emily Emily Keebler * Office of Patrick Dowd * Pittsburgh City Council District 7 emily.keebler@city.pittsburgh.pa.us <mailto:emily.keebler@city.pittsburgh.pa.us> * 412-255-2140 Press Release DATE: December 11, 2009 CONTACT: Elaine Zelmanov, 412-255-2140; elaine.zelmanov@city.pittsburgh.pa.us PWSA Will Provide Complete Water & Sewer Line Insurance for Customers Pittsburgh, PA-Councilman Patrick Dowd, a Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority Board member, announced today that the PWSA Board has voted to provide all PWSA customers with complete water and sewer line insurance coverage at a nominal cost. "I have heard from many constituents who simply can't afford the extremely high cost of sewer line repairs. This innovative new program will protect them from financial crisis and protect our city's fragile water and sewer infrastructure by ensuring repairs are made quickly," Dowd said. "Today I am proud to be a PWSA Board member. This program will save water and sewer ratepayers thousands of dollars in repairs." The insurance program will require customers to opt-out if they prefer not to participate. The cost will be approximately five dollars per month for complete water service line and sewer lateral coverage. "PWSA Director Kenney deserves the highest praise for making this program a reality. I can't give him enough credit for taking initiative on behalf of ratepayers," Dowd added. Coverage takes effect January 1, 2010. --- ELAINE ZELMANOV | Chief of Staff Office of Councilman Patrick Dowd | Pittsburgh City Council District 7 City-County Building, Rm. 510 | 414 Grant Street | Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Tel 412.255.2140 | Fax 412.255.2419 elaine.zelmanov@city.pittsburgh.pa.us <mailto:elaine.zelmanov@city.pittsburgh.pa.us> District 7 Schedule of Events Google Calendar <http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/district7/> | 2008 Annual Report <http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/district7/assets/2008-Newsletter.pdf> [pdf]