Public Drinking Spring

Voegtly Spring, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

1840, Damas St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, US

Voegtly Spring, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
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About This Spring

## Overview Voegtly Spring is a historic natural spring located in Pittsburgh's Spring Hill neighborhood, nestled along Damas Street. Official records trace the spring's origins back to the mid-19th century, when it likely served as a vital water source for the surrounding community. In 1912, local residents petitioned the Pittsburgh City Council to construct a formal basin around the spring, and the city responded by building the stone basin that still stands today — a testament to over a century of neighborhood stewardship. The spring's name echoes the legacy of the Voegtly family, early German settlers who were prominent in the development of Pittsburgh's North Side neighborhoods during the 1800s. The Voegtly name appears across several historic sites in the area, including the nearby Voegtly Cemetery, reflecting the deep roots this family planted in the community. Voegtly Spring is currently being considered for designation as a City of Pittsburgh Historic Landmark, which would formally recognize its cultural and historical significance. For spring enthusiasts and history lovers alike, it represents a rare surviving example of a 19th-century urban spring that has been continuously accessible to the public for well over a hundred years. ## Directions 1. From downtown Pittsburgh, head north across the 16th Street Bridge toward the North Side. 2. Continue north through the Troy Hill neighborhood, following local roads toward Spring Hill. 3. Navigate to **Damas Street** in the Spring Hill neighborhood (GPS: 40.465636, -79.991182). 4. The spring and its built stone basin are located along Damas Street near the 1840 block. Look for the historic basin structure on the street side. *Note: Street parking is available along Damas Street. The neighborhood streets can be narrow and steep, typical of Pittsburgh's hillside communities.* ## What to Expect Visitors will find a built stone basin that captures the natural spring water flowing from the hillside. The basin dates to the 1912 construction authorized by the Pittsburgh City Council and has a weathered, historic character. The Spring Hill neighborhood is a quiet, residential area perched on one of Pittsburgh's many steep hillsides, offering pleasant views of the surrounding terrain. The spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by neighborhood residents for generations, though water quality should not be assumed without independent testing. The flow and condition of the basin may vary seasonally. Spring Hill itself is one of Pittsburgh's lesser-known neighborhoods, and a visit to Voegtly Spring pairs well with exploring the area's hilly streets, historic architecture, and nearby Voegtly Cemetery — another landmark tied to the same pioneering family. The spring offers a quiet, off-the-beaten-path experience for anyone interested in Pittsburgh's rich history of natural water sources.

Getting There

Address

1840, Damas St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, US

GPS Coordinates

40.465636, -79.991182

Directions

Community Submitted

Directions 1. From downtown Pittsburgh, head north across the 16th Street Bridge toward the North Side. 2. Continue north through the Troy Hill neighborhood, following local roads toward Spring Hill. 3. Navigate to **Damas Street** in the Spring Hill neighborhood (

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Water Safety Disclaimer

Try Water does not independently test, verify, or guarantee the quality, safety, or potability of any water source listed on this site. Listings are based on publicly available data, community contributions, and historical reports — not laboratory analysis.

Water conditions at natural springs can change at any time due to weather, contamination, agricultural runoff, seasonal variation, or other environmental factors. A spring that was safe to drink from yesterday may not be safe today.

Always test water yourself before drinking. We strongly recommend using a portable water testing kit or filter (such as a LifeStraw) and consulting local health authorities when in doubt. Never rely solely on the information provided here when making decisions about drinking from a natural water source.

By using this site, you acknowledge that you assume all risk associated with visiting and consuming water from any listed source.

Quick Facts

TypePublic Drinking Spring
AccessPublic

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Tips

🫗

Bring empty jugs or bottles to fill up.

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Accessible by road — pull off carefully.

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Parking available nearby.

Safety Info

Always test or filter water from natural springs before drinking. Water quality can change seasonally.

Bring your own containers. A portable water filter like a LifeStraw is recommended.

Respect the environment. Pack out everything you bring in.