Water line workers went the extra mile

I know I’m not alone in having felt high anxiety about seeing my front yard torn up to replace water lines as part of the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority’s Community Lead Response.

My husband and I have a beautiful garden that has been tenderly cultivated over the past decade. When PWSA and a member of contractor Independent Enterprises Inc. finally came to our door to discuss the project, I was pleasantly surprised. They patiently explained the process and where they thought they had to dig. They listened to our request for minimizing damage and saving some of the topsoil and plants. I felt more at ease.

But when the backhoe and dump trucks arrived weeks later, the anxiety came back. Why I am writing now is not only to thank PWSA and Independent Enterprises for doing a great job but for going the extra mile to carefully work around or dig up some of the plantings.

They are so skilled and accommodating. I left for work in the middle of the digging (a huge deep hole). When I returned, work in the basement was repaired, and the water was back on. The contractors even fixed a slowrunning faucet. And the garden looked like it had never been touched. Things were replanted, the slope of the hill was regraded and the sidewalk swept.

This team of contractors really deserves a shout out for its skill, hard work, customer-centric approach and thoughtfulness! Up and down Northumberland Street, I’ve heard the same response. Thanks to PWSA and Independent Enterprises. JUDITH GUSKY

Squirrel Hill