Clean Streams. Green Neighborhoods. Vibrant Communities.
Saw Mill Run Watershed is one of 7 intermediate watersheds in Allegheny County. Located in the south central portion of the county, Saw Mill Run is 22 miles long, including its tributaries, with a land area of almost 20 square miles. Twelve separate and unique communities are located in the Saw Mill Run Watershed, including more than 15 City of Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
The Saw Mill Run Valley was once covered with dense forests and lush meadows. The soils in forests and meadows quickly absorb rain and snow melt, feeding the streams from the ground water table. For more than one hundred years, the communities in the Saw Mill Run Valley have grown, replacing soft absorbent soils with impervious concrete and asphalt. As a result,Saw Mill Run frequently overflows its banks, flooding nearby communities carrying pollutants and debris from the streets and land into the stream.
Improving water quality in Saw Mill Run will take a collaborative effort from: local and state governments, nonprofit organizations, local businesses, and our committed citizens. We have lots to do but we are making progress. Check back for updates on our work!
News Around the Watershed
Great Day for a Cleanup in Seldom Seen
Despite the nip in the air, an intrepid group of volunteers turned out on Saturday, October 15th for a cleanup of Saw Mill Run in Seldom Seen Greenway. Tires, trash, litter, old carpets and other debris was removed from the banks and the stream. Thanks to all who...
read moreA View From Watershed
