Highland Reservoir Hillside Safety Project 

Highland Park residents and community members who were unable to participate in the February 28th design workshop at Tree Pittsburgh may provide feedback about Pittsburgh Water’s Slope Stability Project around the covered Highland Reservoir.

This webform will remain open through Friday, April 3rd. Your ideas will be incorporated with those received at the in-person meeting and will be considered as we work through the project design.

Reference Materials:
Project information and materials from the February 5th Information Session and February 28th Design Workshop are available at www.pgh2o.com/slope-stability. Please refer to these materials to inform your feedback on the project.

Attendees participating in the design workshop had an opportunity to comment on the security fence around the reservoir and accessibility. The following summarizes the themes and comments that emerged.

Focus was on reservoir access, walking path development, and connectivity improvements around Reservoir #2 and the surrounding areas near Highland Park. Key points include demand for a walking path around the reservoir, ADA compliance, bike access, and coordination with existing infrastructure (zoo fencing, playground, road intersections). This includes preserving historic character while improving safety, accessibility, and aesthetics.

Attendees participating in the design workshop also shared feedback related to the landscape design. It will be planted around the reservoir on the embankment, at the base of the slope and beyond. The following summarizes the themes and comments that emerged.

Focus was on accessibility, safety, and landscape quality and improvements. Key points around a trail system (possibly connected to Heth's Run), sidewalk conditions, stormwater management, and landscape features were discussed. This includes ADA compliance, landscape materials, path materials, maintenance planning, and pedestrian safety.

Pittsburgh Water is prioritizing native species and pollinators to protect natural habitat. To meet the safety requirements of the reservoir now being classified as a high-hazard dam, trees are not permitted on the embankment of a dam. Pittsburgh Water will remove the trees in designated areas. The discussion boards below identify specific planting areas which include grasses along the embankment, a perennial zone near the base of the slope and a tree and shrub zone located beyond the toe of slope.  

Attendees participating in the design workshop commented and asked general questions about the Slope Stability Project and water infrastructure in Highland Park. Answers to several questions are available in the project FAQs. The following summarizes the themes and comments that emerged.

Focus was on reservoir maintenance, water infrastructure, and environmental management for both Highland Reservoirs #1 and #2. Key topics include tree removal and soil stabilization, water supply capacity and contamination risks, construction impacts on adjacent homeowners, and long-term infrastructure decisions (tank lifespan, liner materials, fencing). This includes ecological practices (microclimate creation, debris damming) and the preservation of specific trees, such as Ginkgos, along One Wild Pl.

The first discussion board illustrates the engineering techniques that will be used to stabilize the hillside and create a flatter more uniform slope. Stabilizing the slope will protect our water infrastructure, reduce risk associated with slips and landslides, and protect downstream neighborhoods.

The second discussion board identifies the tree removal zones associated with the project. To meet safety requirements, trees are not permitted on embankments. Pittsburgh Water will replace the trees with native grasses that will help to protect local habitat, reduce erosion, improve the structural integrity of the slope, and support ongoing maintenance.

Thank you for taking the time provide feedback on this project. We appreciate your insight and will consider your comments as we work through the project design. If you have additional questions, please contact Rebecca Zito by emailing rzito@pgh2o.com.