Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority: Lead Service Line Information
Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority serves approximately 520,000 people across the city and surrounding areas. Like many older water systems in the US, Pittsburgh may have lead service lines—the underground pipes that connect your home to the main water line.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line (LSL) is a pipe made of lead that runs from the water main under the street to your home. Lead can leach into drinking water, especially if the water is corrosive or if pipes are old and corroded. Lead exposure, even at low levels, can harm children's brain development and cause other health problems in adults.
Most homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead service lines, though they can exist in any era. Pennsylvania began limiting lead in plumbing in 1988.
What you need to know about Pittsburgh's inventory
Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority has not yet publicly released a complete lead service line inventory. This means the utility is still in the process of identifying which properties have lead lines, galvanized lines (which can corrode and release lead), or confirmed non-lead service lines.
Under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), water systems must complete their full inventory by October 2024 and make it available to customers. If you haven't received this information yet, contact Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority directly—they are required to share inventory data with property owners.
What to do now
Even without a complete utility inventory, you can take steps to protect your household.
Get your water tested. A simple water test can tell you if lead is present. Contact Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority for a free or low-cost test kit, or use a certified private lab.
Know your home's age. If your house was built before 1986, odds are higher that your service line is lead or galvanized.
Reduce exposure while waiting. Run cold water for 30 seconds in the morning before drinking or cooking. Use cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water leaches lead faster). Consider a point-of-use filter certified for lead removal (NSF/ANSI 53) as a temporary measure.
Long-term solution. Replacing your lead service line is the only permanent fix. Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority should have information about replacement costs, rebates, or assistance programs.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority (412-255-2423 or their website) to request your property's service line inventory status and a free water test
- Have your water tested if you haven't already, especially if you have young children
- Ask about replacement assistance — some water systems and state programs help cover the cost of LSL replacement
- Review the utility's full inventory once released to confirm your property's service line material
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does Pittsburgh have lead in the water?
Lead can be present in older homes' service lines, but whether it ends up in your drinking water depends on your specific pipes and water chemistry. Get a free water test from Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority to know your home's status.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
Request your property's lead service line inventory status directly from Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority. Homes built before 1986 are at higher risk. A water test will also reveal if lead is leaching into your water.
Is it safe to drink Pittsburgh tap water?
Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority treats and monitors tap water, but lead service lines in individual homes can be a source of contamination. Test your water to be sure, and use the simple measures (running water, using cold water) while you determine your home's status.
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?
Costs vary widely depending on your property. Contact Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority about any available rebates, grants, or low-interest loan programs that may help offset replacement costs.