UPMC PRESBYTERIAN Lead Service Line Inventory
UPMC Presbyterian is a water system serving approximately 8,200 people in Pennsylvania. Like all US public water systems, it is required by federal law to maintain an inventory of lead service lines—the pipes that may connect your home to the main water line underground.
What you need to know
A lead service line is a potential source of lead in drinking water. Even low levels of lead exposure can affect children's development. If your water system has not yet completed its full inventory, that doesn't mean your home has a lead service line—it means the utility is still in the process of gathering this information.
Current inventory status: UPMC Presbyterian has not yet inventoried its service lines. This is not unusual; many smaller water systems are still working through this process.
The EPA requires all water systems to complete their lead service line inventories by October 2024. Your water utility should be able to tell you:
- Whether your specific address has a lead service line
- What actions they're taking to replace or manage known lead lines
- Whether they've received federal funding (like Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act money) to help pay for replacements
How to find out about your home
Contact UPMC Presbyterian directly and ask: 1. Does my address have a lead service line? 2. When will you have that information available? 3. If I do have a lead line, what are my options for replacement?
You can also have a plumber inspect the exposed portion of your service line (usually visible in the basement or where it enters your home). Lead lines are soft, dull gray, and leave a mark if you scrape them gently with a coin.
Protect your water in the meantime
Until you know your line's status, use cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water dissolves lead faster), and flush the tap for 30 seconds after periods of non-use. If you have concerns about your child's lead exposure, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
Next steps for residents
- Contact UPMC Presbyterian's water department to ask about your specific address
- Request a copy of the utility's lead service line inventory plan and timeline
- If you have a lead line, ask about replacement programs and costs
- Consider having a licensed plumber inspect your service line if you want confirmation before the utility's inventory is complete
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 my house has a lead service line?
Contact your water utility directly—they are required to maintain an inventory. You can also ask a plumber to inspect the water line where it enters your home; lead lines are soft, dull gray, and will leave a mark if you gently scrape with a coin.
Is lead in drinking water dangerous?
Lead can affect children's brain development even at low levels. For health concerns, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO. The CDC website has fact sheets about lead exposure and prevention.
What can I do right now if I'm worried about lead?
Use cold water for drinking and cooking, and flush the tap for 30 seconds after it sits unused. These steps reduce lead levels. A water filter certified for lead (NSF Standard 53) can also help while you wait for inventory results.
Does my water utility have to replace lead service lines?
Federal law requires utilities to replace lead service lines, though timelines vary. Some utilities offer cost assistance or cover replacement entirely. Contact UPMC Presbyterian to ask about their replacement program and your options.