The Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority board today created a task force to contend with the agency's leaky system and perhaps reconsider giveaways to several nonprofit institutions.

"We want to make sure that we give our customers and ratepayers the best deal possible," said authority board Chairman Dan Deasy, a state representative. A system that loses or gives away more water than it bills for, he said, puts an undue burden on the ratepayers.

Mr. Deasy said he will join the task force that will be led by board member Robert Jablonowski, who is a chemist, and board member Henry C. Blum, a union representative. Authority staff will also be asked to participate, and the panel may hire a firm to study the leak problem.

The task force may meet with leadership at the Phipps Conservatory, National Aviary and Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, which get free water, said Mr. Jablonowski. Those former city assets, now run by nonprofit entities, might be asked to pay for water at a reduced rate, he said.

Water authority Executive Director Michael Kenney said the authority is in the process of ramping up a campaign to plug leaks. A dip in water production last month, to below the usual 70 million gallons per day level, suggests that it is working, he said. That's because leaks force the authority to pump extra water into its system.

Crews are listening for leaks at fire hydrants and valves, fixing leaky pipes and pumps, and generally making water loss reduction "part of their daily routine," he said.

Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.