Lead Service Line Inventory: Pittsburgh International Airport Water System
Pittsburgh International Airport's public water system serves approximately 26,915 people. Like all US water systems, it is required by federal law to identify and track lead service lines—the pipes that connect the main water line under the street to individual buildings.
What we know about this water system
This water system has not yet publicly reported a completed lead service line inventory. That means the utility is still in the process of identifying which service lines contain lead, or has not yet made that information available to the public.
The good news: federal deadlines are pushing all water systems to finish their inventories. The bad news: without a published inventory, you can't immediately know if your property has a lead service line.
What to do right now
Contact Pittsburgh International Airport's water utility directly. Ask them:
- Do you have a lead service line inventory? (Even if it's not fully complete, they may have partial data.)
- Has my property been inspected for lead service lines?
- What is the timeline for completing the full inventory?
You can also ask for a water quality test. A certified lab can check whether lead is actually in your drinking water—which depends on water chemistry, plumbing materials inside your building, and whether a lead line is present.
Why this matters
Lead service lines are the single biggest source of lead in drinking water for most homes. If your line is lead, water can pick up lead as it travels to your tap. Children and pregnant people are most vulnerable; even small amounts of lead exposure can affect development.
If you find out you have a lead service line, you have options: use filtered water for drinking and cooking, have the line replaced, or both. Replacement is the permanent solution, and some utilities offer replacement programs or funding.
Next steps for residents
- Call your water utility and ask for their lead service line inventory status and any data about your address
- Request a water quality test to check for lead in your tap water
- Use a certified filter (NSF/ANSI Standard 53) if you're concerned, while you gather information
- Visit the EPA's lead reduction guide for more details on protection and replacement options
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 and ask if your property has been surveyed. You can also have a plumber inspect the line where it enters your building—lead is soft and dark gray, and a magnet won't stick to it. Your utility should provide this information free or at low cost.
Is lead service line water dangerous to drink?
Lead in drinking water is a real health risk, especially for young children and pregnant people. However, not all lead lines release lead into water—it depends on water chemistry and how long water sits in the line. A water test will tell you if lead is actually present in your tap water.
What should I do if I have a lead service line?
You can use a certified filter (NSF/ANSI Standard 53) for drinking and cooking water right away. For a permanent fix, contact your utility about replacement programs or funding. Some utilities offer partial or full replacement assistance.
When will this water system finish its lead inventory?
Federal law requires all systems to complete inventories by specific deadlines. Contact Pittsburgh International Airport's water utility directly to ask about their timeline and current progress.