Our History
In 1887, residents of Verona and its second ward (which would later become the Borough of Oakmont in 1889) depended on wells and springs for their water. To address this, they formed the Suburban Water Company of Allegheny County in February 1887. This privately-owned company bought a lot at the corner of Tenth Street and what's now Delaware Avenue, with a well dug and waterline laid. By the end of 1887, they were pumping water to subscribers.
Demand for the company's water quickly grew, leading to expansion in 1893 and 1894. During these expansions, they built a new pumping plant near the Allegheny River at Hulton, in the northern part of Oakmont. A reservoir was also constructed near Verona. This expansion ensured a more stable and pure water supply. Notably, the Hulton Plant remained operational even during the severe Saint Patrick's Day flood of 1936, while other plants along the riverbanks were forced to shut down due to flooding.
By 1896, the company had 350 customers in Oakmont and Verona and 10 miles of water mains. The company continued to extend its services to neighboring areas, including Unity, North Bessemer, and Plum Township. In 1904, they added a water line to the Oakmont Country Club. Expansion continued in 1913 with a reservoir in North Bessemer, and in 1923, a water line was extended to the Rosedale area. In 1929, Crescent Hills received water service.
To enhance water quality, the company added settling basins and filters at its Hulton pumping station in 1913. Prior to this, water had only been filtered to remove solids at the river inlet. In 1934 and 1935, water treatment equipment was installed at the Hulton plant, further improving water quality for the growing customer base.
A Small Beginning
In 1929, Suburban Water Company was acquired by American Utilities Service Company, expanding their operations to Harmar, Indiana, and West Deer Townships. This expansion facilitated water supply to Gulf Laboratories in 1935. In 1936, during the Saint Patrick's Day flood, a connection was made to Republic Steel Corporation's pumping station in Indianola, leading to the formation of the Indianola Water Company.
In 1942, the line was extended to Russellton in West Deer Township, creating the West Deer Water Company. Republic's water facilities at Harmarville and Indianola were also acquired. In 1943, all subsidiaries and the Suburban Water Company of Allegheny County were merged into one entity. Additionally, The Municipal Authority of the Borough of Oakmont was established in 1943 and successfully negotiated the purchase of Suburban Water Company.
By September 1946, the Authority had acquired all assets of the water company, leading to the dissolution of the Suburban Water Company of Allegheny County. Since then, the water system has grown from 83 to about 262.8 miles of water lines, serving a population of around 42,000. The system comprises one treatment plant, 13 standpipes, an elevated tank, 2 covered reservoirs, and 10 pump stations.