Lead Service Lines in Scranton, PA
Scranton's water system serves about 197,000 residents across 36 different water utilities. If you're concerned about lead in your home's water supply, here's what you need to know.
What we know about lead service lines in Scranton
The good news: Scranton's water utilities have not reported any confirmed lead service lines in their inventories. However, this doesn't mean lead pipes aren't present in older homes—it means the utilities haven't yet identified them through systematic surveys, or the data hasn't been made public.
Lead service lines are most common in homes built before 1950. If your home was built during that era, there's a higher chance your connection to the water main contains lead, even if your utility hasn't formally documented it.
The five largest utilities serving Scranton
- PAW Ceasetown (58,467 people)
- PAW Nesbitt (52,640 people)
- PAW Watres (52,002 people)
- PAW Huntsville (11,987 people)
- PAW Crystal Lake (9,773 people)
None of these utilities have reported known lead service lines in available records. However, you should contact your specific utility to ask about their lead service line inventory and testing programs.
What you can do right now
Test your water. The EPA recommends testing if your home was built before 1950, especially if you have young children or pregnant household members. A simple test costs $25–$75 and takes a few days.
Know your pipe material. Look at the water line where it enters your home (usually in the basement or crawl space). Lead pipes are soft, gray, and dull. Copper is reddish or greenish. Steel is silver and magnetic. If you can't identify it, a plumber can tell you for $50–$150.
Request your utility's data. Call your water utility and ask for their lead service line inventory. Ask if they have plans to replace lead lines and whether they offer testing or replacement assistance programs.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your water utility to ask about their lead inventory and any assistance programs for testing or replacement
- Test your water if your home was built before 1950—contact your county health department for a list of certified labs
- Check your water line visually, or hire a plumber to identify the material
- Visit the EPA's lead page for guidance on reducing exposure while you investigate further
```json [ { "q": "How do I know if my house has a lead service line?", "a": "Lead pipes are soft, gray, and dull—you can see them where the water line enters your home. If unsure, a plumber can identify the material for $50–$150. You can also contact your water utility and ask about their lead inventory for your address." }, { "q": "Is Scranton's tap water safe to drink?", "a": "Scranton's utilities have not reported confirmed lead service lines in their inventories. However, if your home is old (pre-1950), your connection may contain lead. Testing is the only way to know—contact your county health department for certified labs." }, { "q": "How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?", "a": "Full replacement typically costs $3,000–$25,000 depending on how deep the line is buried and local labor rates. Many utilities offer cost-sharing programs or rebates; contact your utility to ask about available assistance." }, { "q": "What should I do if my water tests positive for lead?", "a": "Use bottled water for drinking and cooking until the line is replaced. Run cold water for 30 seconds before using it, and never use hot tap water for consumption. Contact your utility about replacement programs and speak with your pediat