Lead Service Lines in North Wales Water Authority
What you need to know
North Wales Water Authority serves about 72,500 people in Pennsylvania. Like many older water systems across the US, it may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect the public water main to individual homes. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially in homes with older plumbing.
The good news: you can take steps to protect your family right now, whether or not your home has a lead service line.
Current inventory status
North Wales Water Authority has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. This doesn't mean there are no lead lines—many water systems are still in the early stages of mapping their pipes. Federal law (the Lead and Copper Rule) requires all water systems to identify lead service lines by specific deadlines.
What this means for your home
If your home was built before 1986, it's more likely to have a lead service line, though homes built after that date can still have them. The only way to know for sure is to:
- Contact your water utility directly and ask if your address has a known lead service line
- Have a licensed plumber inspect the pipes at your property line
- Request a water test from North Wales Water Authority (many offer free or reduced-cost testing)
Protecting your family now
You don't need to wait for a complete inventory to take action:
- Use a certified filter on drinking and cooking water if you're concerned (look for NSF/ANSI 53 certification for lead removal)
- Flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking, especially if water has sat in pipes overnight
- Run cold water only for drinking and cooking; hot water leaches more lead
- Have children under 6 and pregnant people tested for lead exposure—talk to your pediatrician or local health department
If you have health concerns about lead exposure, contact the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) or your doctor.
Next steps for residents
- Contact North Wales Water Authority (PWSID: PA1460048) and ask about lead service line inventory progress and testing options
- Request a copy of the water system's most recent water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report)
- If your home was built before 1986, consider getting your water tested and your pipes inspected by a licensed plumber
- Speak with your pediatrician if you have children under 6
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Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
Contact North Wales Water Authority directly with your address. They can tell you if your property has a known lead line. You can also hire a licensed plumber to inspect your pipes at the property line, or ask your utility for a free/low-cost water test.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Lead can harm brain development in children under 6 and affect pregnant people and adults at any age. There is no safe level of lead. If you're worried about exposure, contact your pediatrician or local health department, or visit CDC.gov for more information.
Can I remove lead from my tap water myself?
Yes. Use a water filter certified by NSF/ANSI 53 for lead removal on your drinking and cooking water. You can also flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before use, and always use cold water for drinking and cooking.
When will North Wales Water Authority replace lead service lines?
The utility has not yet published a replacement plan timeline. Contact them directly to ask about their schedule and whether you qualify for any assistance or rebates if you replace your service line.