READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY: Lead Service Line Information
About This Water System
READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY serves approximately 95,100 people in Pennsylvania. The system draws from surface water sources.
Important: This page reflects publicly available data about lead service lines (LSLs)—pipes that may carry lead from the water main to your home. Lead in drinking water is a real health concern, especially for children under 6 and pregnant people. Testing your water is the only way to know if lead is present in your home.
What We Know About Lead Service Lines Here
The water authority has not yet reported a complete lead service line inventory to the state or EPA. This means:
- No public count is available of how many lead, galvanized, or non-lead service lines exist in the system's area.
- You cannot look up your address in a public database to learn what type of pipe serves your home.
This is not unusual—many older water systems are still building their inventories. Federal law requires all US water systems to complete and maintain an inventory, but timelines vary.
What You Can Do Now
Since no public inventory exists yet, contact the water authority directly. They have records of the pipes they installed or replaced, and they can tell you:
- Whether your service line is lead, galvanized, or plastic.
- Whether it was replaced recently.
- What the system's replacement timeline is.
Contact: READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY Call or visit their website to request information about your service line.
Protect Yourself in the Meantime
- Get your water tested. Contact your county health department or a certified lab. A simple test costs $15–50 and takes 1–2 weeks.
- Use cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water leaches lead faster. If water has sat overnight, flush the tap for 30 seconds before use.
- If you have young children or are pregnant, consider using bottled water for drinking and cooking until you know your water's lead level.
See the EPA's lead and copper rule guidance and CDC resources on lead exposure for more detail.
Next Steps for Residents
- Contact READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY to ask about your service line type and location.
- Test your tap water through a certified lab or your local health department.
- If lead is found, ask the utility about replacement options and any available rebates or grants.
- Keep children's hands clean and regularly clean toys and surfaces, as lead dust is also a concern in older homes.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY have lead pipes?
The water authority has not yet published a complete inventory of lead service lines in its system. You cannot look up your address in a public database. Contact the water authority directly with your address to ask about your specific service line.
How do I know if my water has lead in it?
The only way to know is to test your water. Contact your county health department or search for a certified lab near you. A basic lead test costs $15–50 and takes 1–2 weeks.
Is lead in water dangerous for my kids?
Lead exposure in children can affect brain development and learning. Contact your pediatrician or the CDC for guidance on testing and prevention, especially if your child is under 6 or you are pregnant.
What should I do if my water test shows lead?
Contact READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY to discuss your options, which may include replacing your service line, using bottled water, or installing a certified filter. Some utilities offer grants or low-cost replacement programs.