Visitors to the Carnegie Science Center can find out how rainfall affects the region’s wastewater treatment and collection system at a new exhibit, ALCOSAN: Overflow Challenge. The mock control station allows visitors to decide what to do when storms stress the system. Should they increase the size of the treatment plant, install more rain gardens, … Continued

The ALCOSAN wastewater treatment plant on Pittsburgh’s North Side went into service 60 years ago, but its gestation period began much earlier. In the 1940s, civic leaders realized the health hazards and environmental damage that came from simply dumping wastewater from homes and businesses into the region’s rivers. Until then, the belief was that “dilution … Continued

One of the ways to assess ALCOSAN’s impact on the region is by the numbers. The most significant one is 250 million. That’s because our treatment plant processes up to 250 million gallons of wastewater every day. That’s enough water to fill 5 million bathtubs. And even that capacity is not enough to meet the … Continued

First of all, thank you to the hundreds of people who turned out for ALCOSAN’s 16th annual Open House last month. I want to share some memories from the event, my favorite of the year, and to let those of you who couldn’t make it get a sample, perhaps enough to entice you to join … Continued

Another year has flown by, and we have been busy at ALCOSAN. Our 16th annual Open House is just weeks away, and we can’t wait to show you what’s been happening while you enjoy a fun-filled day of activities for children and adults. Open House day is one of my favorites. I love watching people … Continued

Summer is a time for fun, and ALCOSAN’s Three Rivers Proud campaign has a piece of the action. On Monday, June 25, our Summer Sweepstakes prize giveaway starts. For 12 consecutive weeks, a winner will be selected on Mondays from the entries submitted during the previous week. The first prize drawing will occur on July … Continued

Warmer temperatures mean it’s time to get outside and enjoy the region’s rivers. Spring and summer always seem to fly by, so it’s not too early to start making plans for the city’s biggest river party, the EQT Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta, which will be held August 3-5. For the second consecutive year, ALCOSAN is … Continued

It has been nine months since ALCOSAN kicked off its 3 Rivers Proud campaign to inform the public about our important work of recycling wastewater into clean water and our role in the region’s economy and environmental health. That effort included a series of billboards, print, online and radio advertising and placards on public transit … Continued

In an October blog item, I talked about the significant work that has been going on “Behind the fence” at ALCOSAN. To increase the capacity of our wastewater treatment plant, we already have upgraded the main pumping station and built a new vehicle maintenance facility to make room for expansion in the middle of ALCOSAN’s … Continued