Lead Service Lines in Mcmurray, PA
What you need to know
Mcmurray is served by one public water system: PA American Water Co–Pittsburgh, which provides water to approximately 686,000 people across the region. Your water utility is required by federal law to maintain an inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main to individual homes.
Current status: The utility has not yet reported specific counts of lead service lines to the public inventory. This does not mean there are no lead lines in the system; it means data has not been disclosed or finalized. Most water systems across the US are still completing their inventories, which were required to be finished by October 2024.
Why this matters
Lead service lines pose a health risk because lead can leach into drinking water, especially from older pipes or when water is corrosive. Children under six and pregnant people are most vulnerable. Even low levels of lead exposure can affect child development.
If your home was built before the 1980s, there's a higher statistical chance your service line is made of lead or galvanized steel (which can also corrode and release metals). If your home is more recent, the risk is lower, though not zero.
What you can do now
Ask your water utility directly. Contact PA American Water Co–Pittsburgh and ask:
- Is my home's service line made of lead?
- Do you have a map showing lead lines in my neighborhood?
- What's the timeline for replacing lead lines in my area?
Get your water tested. If you're concerned about lead, a cheap ($20–30) test kit from a hardware store can measure lead levels in your tap water. The EPA and CDC recommend testing if your home has a lead service line or lead solder.
Use a filter if needed. NSF-certified filters labeled for lead removal can reduce lead in your drinking water while you wait for service line replacement. However, filters require regular cartridge changes to work.
Flush before use. If your home sits empty for several hours, run water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking. This helps clear stagnant water that may contain more lead.
Next steps for residents
- Contact PA American Water Co–Pittsburgh (PWSID: PA5020039) and request your service line information
- Ask about the utility's lead service line replacement schedule and any customer-funded assistance programs
- Consider testing your water if your home was built before 1980
- Use a lead-removing filter on kitchen and drinking taps as a short-term precaution
```json [ { "q": "Does Mcmurray have lead service lines?", "a": "PA American Water Co–Pittsburgh, which serves Mcmurray, has not yet publicly reported specific numbers of lead service lines. Federal law requires utilities to complete inventories by October 2024, but many systems are still compiling data. Contact your utility directly to ask about your home." }, { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Contact your water utility and provide your address; they should have this information on file. Alternatively, if you can safely access your water meter in the basement or outside, a magnet test can help—lead is not magnetic, but steel is. A professional plumber can also inspect your line." }, { "q": "Is lead in water dangerous?", "a": "Yes, especially for children and pregnant people. Lead exposure can affect brain development and learning. Even low levels can be harmful with long-term exposure. For health concerns, consult your pediatrician or contact the CDC's lead hotline." }, { "q": "What's the fastest way to remove lead from my tap water?", "a": "Use an NSF-certified filter labeled for lead reduction on your kitchen tap and drinking water source—these typically cost $30–50 and work immediately. Filters require cartridge replacements every 3–6 months.