While stormwater management is not a new topic, it continues to be an important focus when it comes to planning, land development, and infrastructure management. Since stormwater systems can range from large concrete storm sewer infrastructure to natural riverine systems, planning for improving a complex system needs a creative and innovative approach.

Like other major cities and authorities in Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) and the City of Pittsburgh developed a strategic plan for managing stormwater. Using climate data, previous regional studies, community input, and best practices by peer utilities, six recommendations were formalized. These recommendations consider equity, the environment, priority sites, and water quality using the P4 Initiative of People, Planet, Place, and Performance as a guiding concept. Note: the plan, prepared by Penn Praxis and The Water Center at Penn, was open for public review and comment at pgh2o.com at the time of writing. The adopted plan and additional information is now available.