Lead Service Lines in Pittsburgh: What You Need to Know
Pennsylvania American Water Company serves about 686,000 people in the Pittsburgh area. Like many older water systems in the US, Pittsburgh may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the main water line underground.
What is a lead service line?
A lead service line is the water pipe between your home and the street's main water line. Lead pipes were common in homes built before the 1980s because lead was cheap and easy to work with. Water flowing through lead pipes can pick up lead, especially if the water is acidic or hasn't sat in the pipes for a while.
Lead in drinking water is a real health concern, especially for children and pregnant people. Even small amounts matter. If you're worried about your family's exposure, talk to your doctor or call the CDC hotline at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
Pittsburgh's lead service line inventory
Pennsylvania American Water is required by federal law to know how many lead service lines it serves and to have a plan to replace them. As of now, the utility has not yet inventoried its service lines—meaning they don't have a public count of how many lead pipes are in the system.
This doesn't mean there are no lead lines. It means the utility is still in the data-gathering phase. Many large, older water systems are working through this process.
What you can do now
Find out what's on your property. The service line is typically split into two parts: the utility-owned portion (from the main to your property line) and the homeowner-owned portion (from the property line into your house). You can:
- Contact Pennsylvania American Water directly and ask if they have information about your service line
- Hire a plumber to inspect the line from your house side
- Request records from your city or county
Test your water. Pennsylvania American Water regularly tests water quality. If you want your own test, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection or use a certified lab.
Know your options. If you have a lead service line, the utility may eventually replace the utility-owned portion as part of a replacement program. Homeowners often must pay for replacement of the privately-owned section, though some utilities and states offer rebates or assistance.
Next steps for residents
- Contact PA American Water at their customer service line to ask about your specific property and whether they have lead pipe data for your address
- Request a water quality test if you haven't had one; results help identify whether lead is actually present in your home's water
- Check with your doctor if you're concerned about past exposure, especially if there are young children in the home
- Stay informed as Pennsylvania American Water completes its service line inventory—they'll be required to share findings publicly
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?
Pittsburgh's water utility serves about 686,000 people. Lead can enter drinking water through lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the main line. The utility is still inventorying these pipes, so a full count isn't public yet. Testing your own water is the most direct way to know if lead is present at your home.
How do I know if my house has a lead service line?
You can contact Pennsylvania American Water and ask about your address, or hire a plumber to inspect the pipe entering your home. The utility-owned portion runs from the main to your property line; the rest is usually your responsibility. Knowing which part is yours matters for costs if replacement is needed.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh's water is regularly tested and treated. However, if your home has a lead service line, lead can still leach into your water. The only way to know for certain is to test your tap water. If you're concerned about health effects, talk to your doctor.
Who pays to replace lead pipes?
The utility typically replaces the portion from the main to your property line. Homeowners usually pay for replacement of the line from the property line into the house, though some programs offer assistance or rebates. Contact Pennsylvania American Water to ask about replacement programs in your area.