City of Bethlehem Lead Service Line Inventory

What you need to know

The City of Bethlehem serves approximately 117,259 residents. Like many older US cities, Bethlehem may have lead service lines—pipes that connect homes to the public water main—installed before lead was banned in 1986.

Lead service lines are a significant source of lead in drinking water. The only way to fully eliminate this risk is to replace the line.

Current inventory status

As of now, the City of Bethlehem has not published a detailed public inventory of lead service lines. This means residents don't have access to a database showing which addresses have confirmed lead lines, galvanized lines, or non-lead lines.

This is not unusual. Many water systems across the country are still in the early stages of mapping their service lines. Federal law (the Lead and Copper Rule) requires utilities to maintain an inventory, but does not yet mandate that it be made fully public in all cases.

What this means for your home

Without a public inventory, you won't know your service line material just by checking online. Your options are:

• Contact the City of Bethlehem directly at the water utility to ask about your specific address. They may have records on file, even if they haven't published a full public database.
• Have a licensed plumber inspect the service line at your home. This is the most reliable way to know for certain.
• Test your water for lead. A simple water test can tell you if lead is present at your tap, regardless of the service line material. Contact your local health department or use an EPA-certified lab.

Protection steps you can take now

If you're concerned but haven't replaced your service line:

• Use a water filter certified to reduce lead (look for NSF/ANSI 53 certification).
• Let water run before drinking or cooking after the tap has been unused for several hours.
• Use cold water only for drinking and cooking—hot water leaches more lead.

Next steps for residents

• Call the City of Bethlehem water utility to request information about your service line.
• If you have young children or are pregnant, ask your doctor about lead testing.
• Check the EPA's lead and copper rule page for updated requirements and timelines.
• Consider a water test through a certified lab if you want to know your current exposure.

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Does Bethlehem, Pennsylvania have lead in the water?

Lead in drinking water typically comes from lead service lines or household plumbing, not the source water itself. Without a published inventory, you can't know for certain unless you test your water or have your service line inspected. Contact the City of Bethlehem water utility or test your tap water through a certified lab.

How do I find out if my house has a lead service line in Bethlehem?

Call the City of Bethlehem water utility and ask about your address. If they don't have public records, hire a licensed plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home, or test your tap water for lead.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Bethlehem PA?

The safest approach is to test your water and know your service line material. If you have a lead line, use a certified filter, let water run before using it, and use cold water only for drinking and cooking. For health concerns, especially with children or pregnancy, consult your pediatrician or doctor.

When will Bethlehem replace lead service lines?

The City of Bethlehem has not published a public replacement plan or timeline. Contact the utility directly to ask about any funded programs or plans to replace lead lines in your area.