Philadelphia Water Department Lead Service Line Inventory
Philadelphia Water Department serves about 1.6 million people across the city and surrounding areas. Lead service lines—pipes that connect your home to the water main—can leach lead into drinking water, especially in older homes.
What we know about Philadelphia's lead service lines
The Philadelphia Water Department has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means the utility does not yet have a comprehensive count of how many homes may be served by lead pipes.
Without a complete inventory, residents cannot easily find out whether their home has a lead service line. However, the age of your home and neighborhood can be a clue: homes built before 1951 are more likely to have lead service lines, as lead pipes were commonly used then.
Why this matters
Lead in drinking water poses real health risks, especially for young children and pregnant people. Even small amounts of lead exposure can affect child development. There is no safe level of lead exposure.
The EPA requires all water systems to:
- Test water quality for lead
- Identify lead service lines
- Create a plan to replace them over time
Philadelphia has not published detailed information about its lead service line replacement timeline or plan.
What you can do now
Test your water. The Philadelphia Water Department can provide free or low-cost lead testing kits. Contact them directly to request one.
Find out your home's age and location. Homes built before 1951, especially in North Philadelphia and West Philadelphia, are at higher risk. You can research your property records online or ask your utility.
Use a filter if concerned. NSF-certified filters can reduce lead in drinking water. Look for filters certified to remove lead (NSF Standard 53).
Talk to your doctor. If you have young children or are pregnant, ask your pediatrician about lead screening.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Philadelphia Water Department at 215-685-6300 or visit their website to request a free lead test kit
- Ask your utility whether your address is on a known lead service line list
- If your home was built before 1951, assume your service line may contain lead until proven otherwise
- Consider a point-of-use filter certified for lead removal while you investigate further
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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
Does Philadelphia have lead in the water?
Philadelphia Water Department tests water quality regularly. Lead levels in the water main are generally low, but lead service lines connecting homes to the main can leach lead into your tap water. Your individual risk depends on your home's age and plumbing.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
If your home was built before 1951, it is likely to have a lead service line. Contact Philadelphia Water Department at 215-685-6300 to ask about your specific address, or request a free lead test kit to check your tap water.
Can I remove lead from my tap water?
Yes. NSF-certified filters designed to remove lead (NSF Standard 53) can reduce lead in your drinking water. These work at the tap or pitcher level. A whole-home filter is also an option but more expensive.
Is lead in water dangerous for kids?
Lead exposure in children can affect brain development and learning. There is no safe level. If you have young children, contact your pediatrician about lead screening and request a free water test from your utility.