Built by Neighbors Working Towards Solutions
The Mon Water Project creates connections across governments, agencies, non-profits, businesses, and residents to direct resources to develop and implement integrated water resource plans based on One Water principles in 4MR and neighboring watersheds.
Our principles guide us.
One Water is the focus on all aspects of water, with equal value and importance, seeing the water cycle as continuous, and water systems as overlapping. This approach removes traditional water permitting “silos” and allows a community to address many issues at once.
Our work centers environmental justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion as we build community power for the management of our watersheds.
The challenges of urban restoration are substantial.
Over five years ago, Pittsburgh Water Sewer Authority was looking to address flooding, manage stormwater, rehabilitate old infrastructure, and decrease water pollution to the Monongahela river. They began the design, modeling, and implementation of the 4 Mile Stormwater Project. The project is hoping to improve the quality of life, protect property, and change the hydrology of a watershed affecting the lower half of the neighborhood in Greenfield, known as the micro-neighborhood “In the Run.” The Run historically floods with only a half inch of rainfall. It isn't just any flooding, its manhole popping raw sewage that flows directly into homeowner basements, central streets, and neighborhood cornerstone businesses. Residents in The Run neighborhood have had to silently endure the issues for years. When the PWSA 4MR Stormwater Project was being developed, the residents of The Run worked hard to advocate for their community needs. With a unified voice they asked for real and last solutions.
The Mon Water Project is building on the 'swell' of resident and organizational movements that grew from the 4 Mile Run Stormwater Project. We will work to develop a unified strategy for ALL our water resources, partner to implement projects that protect the residents of our most vulnerable communities and build an educated coalition of neighbors that advocate for science-based solutions in our cricks and hollows.
The path forward is clear (unlike the muddy waters of the Monongahela) and with the support of New Sun Rising as a fiscal sponsor The Mon Water Project launched in October 2022. Follow us, join us, and support us as we flow towards a future that is truly sustainably alongside the Monongahela River.
Will you join us?