LeadPipeLookup

Pennsylvania › City overview

Lead service lines in Reading, PA

40 water utilities serve Reading, with approximately 179,125 people served.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS + utility inventories: 2026-04-14
Known lead
0
Galvanized
0
Unknown
0
% unknown
—

Lead Service Lines in Reading, PA

Reading's water systems serve approximately 179,125 people across 40 different utilities. The largest provider is Reading Area Water Authority, which serves about 95,100 residents, followed by Paw Penn District (28,508 people) and Muhlenberg Township Municipal Authority (21,000 people).

What we know about lead in Reading

Lead service lines are the pipes that carry water from the public water main into your home. If present, they pose a health risk—especially to young children and pregnant people. Currently, the water systems serving Reading have not publicly reported confirmed lead service lines in their inventories to regulators.

However, "not reported" doesn't mean "none exist." Many older homes in Reading—particularly those built before the 1980s—may still have lead lines. Water systems are required by federal law to locate and inventory their lead and galvanized service lines, but this work is ongoing in many communities.

How to find out about your home

Your risk depends on:

  • Your home's age. Homes built before 1950 are more likely to have lead lines; risk remains elevated through the 1980s.
  • Your specific utility. Even within Reading, different water authorities may have different infrastructure.

The best way to know is to contact your local water utility directly. They can tell you whether your home is on a lead line, galvanized line, or copper line. You can identify your utility by your water bill or by checking which authority serves your address.

What to do if you're concerned

Even without a lead line, old pipes or fixtures can leach lead. You can have your water tested for lead—Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection and local health departments can point you toward certified labs. Testing is usually inexpensive.

If your water does contain lead, use cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water dissolves lead faster), and let water run for 30 seconds before drinking if the line has been unused for several hours.

Next steps for residents

  • Find your water utility by checking your water bill or contacting Reading's municipal office.
  • Ask your utility directly about lead service lines at your address.
  • Request a water test through your utility or a certified lab if you want confirmation of lead levels.
  • Contact the CDC or your pediatrician if you have health questions about lead exposure.

Utilities serving Reading

Common questions

Does Reading PA have lead pipes?

Reading's water systems have not publicly reported confirmed lead service lines. However, homes built before the 1980s may still have lead lines. Contact your specific water utility to find out whether your address is served by a lead, galvanized, or copper line.

How do I know if my house has a lead service line?

Call your water utility with your address—they have records of service line materials. You can also hire a plumber to inspect, or have your water tested for lead as an indirect indicator.

Is it safe to drink water from a lead pipe?

Lead can leach into drinking water from pipes and fixtures. If you have a lead line, use cold water for drinking and cooking, and flush the line for 30 seconds after it sits unused for several hours. For health concerns, contact the CDC or your doctor.

Who is Reading Area Water Authority?

Reading Area Water Authority is the largest water provider in Reading, PA, serving about 95,100 people. Contact them directly to ask about lead service lines at your address or to request a water quality test.