Lead Service Lines in State College Boro Water Authority
State College Boro Water Authority serves approximately 72,000 people in Pennsylvania. Like many older water systems, it may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect the water main under the street to homes built before the 1980s.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the pipe running from the public water main to your home's water meter or foundation. Lead was used in service lines for decades because it's durable and corrosion-resistant. However, lead can dissolve into drinking water, especially if the water is acidic or has low mineral content. Even small amounts matter, particularly for children and pregnant people.
What does State College Boro Water Authority know?
State College Boro Water Authority has not yet completed a full inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means the utility is still in the process of identifying which homes and buildings may have lead service lines. You can contact the utility directly to ask about your specific address—they may have records even if a public inventory isn't complete.
How do I know if my home has a lead service line?
The only way to be certain is to have your service line inspected or tested. You can:
- Call State College Boro Water Authority and ask about your address and service line material.
- Hire a licensed plumber to inspect the line where it enters your home (often in the basement or crawl space).
- Request a water test from your utility or a certified lab.
If you have a lead service line, using a water filter certified for lead removal (NSF/ANSI 53) can reduce lead in drinking water until the line is replaced.
Replacement and funding
If your service line is confirmed to be lead, talk to your utility about replacement options and any available assistance programs. The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides funding to water systems for lead service line replacement; ask your utility whether you qualify.
Next steps for residents
- Contact State College Boro Water Authority to ask whether your service line is lead and what records they have for your address.
- Request a water test if you're concerned; your utility can provide guidance.
- Keep children hydrated with filtered or bottled water until you know your service line status, especially if you have young children.
- Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection website for additional state resources on lead and water safety.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Is there lead in State College Boro water?
Lead enters water through service lines and internal plumbing, not the treated water itself. The utility's water is tested regularly for safety, but if you have a lead service line, lead can leach into your water at home. Contact the utility to find out if your service line is lead.
How do I find out if I have a lead service line?
Call State College Boro Water Authority and ask about your address. You can also hire a plumber to inspect your service line where it enters your home, or request a water test from the utility.
What should I do if my water has lead?
Use a certified lead-reducing water filter (look for NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Contact your pediatrician or the CDC with health concerns. Ask your utility about lead service line replacement programs and funding.
Will the water authority replace my lead service line?
Replacement varies by utility and funding. Contact State College Boro Water Authority to ask about their replacement program, costs, and any assistance available through federal or state programs.