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Lead service lines in Philadelphia, PA

20 water utilities serve Philadelphia, with approximately 1,605,314 people served.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS + utility inventories: 2026-04-14
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Lead Service Lines in Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia supplies water to about 1.6 million people through 20 water systems. The city's drinking water comes from the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers and is treated at the water department's facilities before it reaches your home.

Like many older cities, Philadelphia has lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main under the street to homes. These pipes were common in construction before the 1980s. If your home was built before then, especially in neighborhoods developed in the early-to-mid 1900s, there's a reasonable chance your service line contains lead.

What You Need to Know About Your Service Line

Lead doesn't dissolve in water on its own. The risk comes mainly when water sits in lead pipes overnight or for several hours, and slightly acidic water can gradually leach small amounts of lead into your drinking water. The good news: most Philadelphia homes have water treatment designed to minimize this, and the problem is manageable with the right steps.

The Philadelphia Water Department serves about 1.6 million residents. Your water utility is your best resource for learning whether lead pipes serve your specific address. They maintain records of service line materials and can tell you if a lead line has been identified at your property.

What to Do Right Now

Contact your water utility — the Philadelphia Water Department — and ask for their lead service line inventory data. Tell them your address. They can tell you:

  • Whether a lead service line has been confirmed at your home
  • Whether the city has a replacement program
  • Whether your water has been tested for lead

If you rent, contact your landlord or building manager—they're responsible for maintaining the service line on the property.

Testing and Reduction

If your utility confirms or suspects a lead line, you have options. You can request a free or low-cost water test through the city. Running cold water for 30 seconds to a few minutes before using it for drinking or cooking can reduce exposure while you arrange for testing or replacement. Boiling does not remove lead.

For health concerns, especially if children under age 6 live in your home, contact your pediatrician or the CDC's lead information line.

Next Steps for Residents

  • Call or visit the Philadelphia Water Department website to ask about lead service line status at your address
  • Request a free water test if you're concerned
  • Check your lease or property records if you own your home—they sometimes note what material your service line is made of
  • Talk to a pediatrician if you have children and want to understand health impacts

Utilities serving Philadelphia

Common questions

How do I know if my home in Philadelphia has a lead service line?

Contact the Philadelphia Water Department with your address—they maintain records of service line materials. You can also dig up the pipe at the property line to visually inspect it (lead pipes are dull gray, soft, and leave a mark when scratched), but calling your utility first is easier.

Is Philadelphia tap water safe to drink?

Philadelphia's treated water meets federal safety standards. However, if you have a lead service line, water can pick up small amounts of lead as it travels through the pipe. A free water test from the city will tell you whether lead is actually present in your home's water.

Does boiling water remove lead?

No. Boiling water can actually concentrate lead because the water evaporates but the lead does not. If lead is present, use cold tap water for drinking and cooking, and consider a certified filter or having the service line replaced.

Does Philadelphia replace lead service lines for free?

The Philadelphia Water Department offers lead service line replacement programs with financial assistance. Contact them directly to learn about current programs, eligibility, and costs for your property.