McKeesport
The main waterways in McKeesport are the Monongahela River and Youghiogheny River.
The city is a suburb of Pittsburgh that was settled in 1755 by Scottish colonist David McKee, during which time ‘Queen’ Aliquippa was the ruling chief of the local Mingo Seneca clan. As David and his son John McKee sold plots of land at the turn of the 19th century, McKeesport grew into a bustling mining town until it’s first steel mill was established in 1851. The National Tube Works was opened in 1872, and the city became a national center for steel manufacture as ten major steel companies merged to form U.S. Steel. Most legacy contamination is due to spilled fuel and heavy metals. Since the decline of the steel industry, McKeesport’s population is considerably smaller and now faces contamination issues such as PFAS in drinking water. Crooked Run, a tributary of the Monongahela River, is classified as 'impaired' by the PA Department of Environmental Protection due to an excess of silt and sediment.
Click the images to get to a downloadable file of our resource cards.
Water
The McKeesport area is served by the MAWC McKeesport Water Treatment plant.
The McKeesport Water Treatment Plant uses source water from the Youghiogheny River and produces nearly 7 million gallons of drinking water per day.
Read the 2024 Drinking Water Consumer Confidence Report at this link.
If you have a delinquent payment and it has been ten days since your official shut off notice, call (724) 755-5800 to pay OR come to the New Stanton office (front counter from 8:15am to 4:30pm or 24/7 drive thru window).
PA American Water has multiple customer assistance programs.
If you know you will have trouble making a payment on time, call 1-800-565-7292. If a member of your household has a medical condition that requires water services and you know you will have trouble making a payment, call 1-800-565-7292. If you have a Protection From Abuse (PFA) or other court orders then you can have protections placed on your water service. To receive Protection from Abuse assistance, call 717-550-1538.
The H2O Help to Others Program™ offers grants, discounts, and equipment to help save money on your water bills. Visit www.dollarenergy.org or call 1-888-282-6816.
H2O Help to Others Program (English)
H2O Help to Others Program (Spanish)
The Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund (PAHAF) helps with housing-related expenses. Visit www.PAHAF.org or call 888-987-2423.
Read about stormwater management in McKeesport here.
The City is responsible for the pollutant load and stormwater runoff that are discharging to downstream storm sewers or waters of the Commonwealth. The City is required to inform the community on stormwater and how the community can assist the City in meeting their stormwater management requirements.
The City of McKeesport has a PAG-13 Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit, which is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP), under Permit ID. PAG136219. You can find the 2023 MS4 Report and Stormwater information on McKeesport’s Website.
McKeesport has a Pollution Reduction Plan (PRP) (linked) for reducing Sediment and Nutrient pollution in Long Run and Crooked Run, which are designated as ‘impaired’ by the PA Department of Environmental Protection
If any member of the public has questions regarding the City of McKeesport Stormwater Management Plan, please contact Marissa Brletic of KLH Engineers via email at mbrletic@klhengineers.com.
If you witness illicit discharge such as sanitary wastewater, effluent from septic tanks, roadway accident spills, or improper disposal of auto and household waste, file a complaint form online and send it to tom.maglicco@mckeesport-pa.gov, call (412) 675-5020, or go to City Hall at 500 Fifth Avenue.
Transportation
Photo Credit: Tony Webster
The ACCESS program is a door-to-door, advance reservation, shared–ride transportation program provided throughout Allegheny County and to destinations in adjoining counties within 1.5 miles of Allegheny County.
To request an application for the ACCESS ADA Program, call (412) 562-5353.
For an 85% discount on ACCESS fares for anyone aged 65 or over, call (412) 562-5353 and ask for the 65 Plus registration center nearest to you and its schedule. People with valid government-issued photo ID may apply through the mail.
Free Connect Cards are available for Senior Citizens through Port Authority.
Contact your local representative for an application or visit 1633 Pennsylvania 51 Suite G-102 Jefferson Hills, PA 15025.
Food
For food assistance, call 2-1-1, call 800-851-3838, or text FOOD to 877877. Check the McKeesport Library website for more information.
Allegheny County Food resources (all ages, all year).
Produce to People, a program of Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. There is a calendar.
FREE Summer food for kids. Call 2-1-1 or see USDA locator site (enter ZIP code), or Text FOOD to 877-877.
BigBurgh.com: Find good, free stuff — homeless services like shelter, showers, first aid, meals — also has button to contact outreach professionals quickly, plus hotlines.
Employment & Education
Builders Guild of Western PA provides career opportunities for men and women to learn the construction trade. The program requires a High School Diploma or GED, 18+ Years of Age, Social Security Card, Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License, Willing to submit a background & drug screening, Some prior work experience preferred, Legally eligible for employment in the USA. Apply Online (buildersguild.org).
Vibrant Pittsburgh posts a Job Board focused on attracting a diverse group of talent to the Pittsburgh region.
Urban Seniors Job Program assists with job applications, building computer skills, and finding opportunities in the Pittsburgh region. You are required to be age 55 and above with previous work experience. Contact (412) 325-3921 for more information.
Bank On Greater Pittsburgh provides access to low-income financial services and education to residents to help the unbanked and under-bank community to establish banking. Call (412) 227-4210 for more information.