PAW PENN DISTRICT Lead Service Line Inventory
PAW PENN DISTRICT serves approximately 28,508 people in Pennsylvania. Like all US water systems, it is required by federal law to identify and track lead service lines—the pipes that carry water from the main water line into homes.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the connection between the public water main and your home's plumbing. If your house was built or connected before the 1980s, there's a meaningful chance this pipe contains lead. When water sits in lead pipes overnight or for several hours, it can pick up lead contamination.
What does PAW PENN DISTRICT know about lead lines?
The water system has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its service area. This means the utility is still in the process of identifying which homes have lead connections. Without a finished inventory, neither the utility nor residents have a clear picture of the scope of the problem locally.
The system draws from groundwater sources, which is generally lower-risk than surface water for microbial contamination—but does not change lead pipe risk.
What should you do?
Contact PAW PENN DISTRICT directly to ask:
- Whether your address has a lead service line
- What the timeline is for completing the inventory
- Whether the utility offers free or subsidized testing
If the utility cannot confirm your line is lead-free, assume it may contain lead. The EPA recommends a practical approach: flush your tap for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, use cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water leaches lead faster), and consider a pitcher filter certified for lead reduction while you wait for more information.
Get your water tested. A certified lab test is the only way to know if lead is actually entering your drinking water. Contact your local health department for a list of certified labs.
If you have young children or pregnant household members, talk to your pediatrician or OB/GYN about lead exposure risk and testing recommendations.
Next steps for residents
- Call PAW PENN DISTRICT and ask about your service line material and the inventory timeline
- Request a free or low-cost water test through your utility or local health department
- If lead is detected, ask the utility about filter options and line replacement programs
- Visit the EPA's lead and copper rule page for detailed guidance on protecting your family
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 PAW PENN DISTRICT and ask about your address. You can also look at your water bill, service records, or the pipe visible where the water line enters your home—lead is soft, dull gray, and can be scratched with a coin. PAW PENN DISTRICT's inventory should eventually provide a definitive answer.
Is lead in drinking water dangerous?
Lead can harm development and learning in children, even at low levels. Adults can experience kidney and blood pressure issues. The CDC and EPA set safety standards, but there is no truly 'safe' level. Talk to your pediatrician about your specific situation.
Can I remove lead from my water myself?
Flushing your tap, using cold water, and using a certified pitcher or faucet filter for lead can reduce exposure while you pursue testing and long-term solutions. These are temporary measures—replacement of the service line is the only permanent fix.
Does PAW PENN DISTRICT offer help replacing lead lines?
Contact the utility to ask about rebates, low-interest loans, or federal funding programs. Some water systems offer cost-sharing, though coverage varies widely.