Economic Development South (EDS), a non-profit community development corporation working with communities in the Saw Mill Run Valley, recognized that the disinvestment in the Valley correlated directly to the problems of flooding and poor water quality associated with storm water runoff.

Managing water resources can be complex — rivers and streams generally flow through multiple political jurisdictions, complicating the decision-making process around issues that affect them. . Working within the geographic boundaries of a watershed offers opportunities to coordinate efforts and create effective solutions to improve and protect water quality.

In 2014, EDS created the Saw Mill Run Watershed Association and partnered with the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority to develop a long term comprehensive plan for Saw Mill Run, The Saw Mill Run Integrated Watershed Management Plan. This plan was just the beginning of coordinating efforts across political lines in the Saw Mill Run Valley. As work progressed, it become apparent that the a stand-alone organization was needed that was focused on addressing not only the issues impacting the Saw Mill Run Watershed, but also the adjacent Streets Run Watershed.

With the generous support of the Heinz Endowments the Watersheds of South Pittsburgh was created to continue the hard work of advocating for the streams and promoting sound land use practices to improve water quality, reduce flooding, and economic vitality in the neighborhoods and communities within the watersheds.