ERIE CITY WATER AUTHORITY Lead Service Line Inventory
Erie City Water Authority serves approximately 220,001 people in Pennsylvania. Like many older water systems across the US, Erie may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect the public water main to individual homes.
What we know about lead service lines in Erie
Lead service lines were commonly installed before the 1980s. If your home was built or connected to the water system before that time, there's a chance your service line contains lead.
The EPA requires water utilities to identify and inventory their lead service lines. However, Erie City Water Authority has not yet completed or published a lead service line inventory. This means the utility does not have complete public data on how many lead lines exist in the system.
An incomplete inventory does not mean there are no lead lines in Erie—it means the mapping work is still in progress or the results have not been made public.
Why this matters
Lead can leach into drinking water, especially in homes with older plumbing. Young children and pregnant people are at highest risk of health effects from lead exposure. Even small amounts matter.
If your home is older or you don't know your service line material, testing your water is a practical step. The EPA recommends a certified lab test for lead in tap water.
Your options now
Test your water. Erie City Water Authority may offer free or reduced-cost testing kits. Call the utility directly to ask.
Ask your utility about your service line. When you contact Erie City Water Authority, ask:
- Do they have records showing whether your property has a lead service line?
- What is the timeline for completing their full inventory?
- Are there any replacement or assistance programs available to homeowners?
Learn the material of your pipes. If you have access to your basement or crawl space, you can sometimes visually inspect the service line where it enters your home. Lead is soft and gray; copper is reddish; PVC is white or gray plastic.
Reduce lead exposure at home. Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking (if the water has been sitting for several hours), use cold water for baby formula, and clean aerators on faucets regularly.
Next steps for residents
- Contact Erie City Water Authority at their main line to request information about your property's service line and ask about free water testing
- If you have young children or are pregnant, consider getting your water tested by a certified lab
- Check the EPA's lead in drinking water page or contact your local health department for resources
- Request updates on the utility's lead service line inventory timeline
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 0 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Is my water in Erie safe to drink?
If your home has a lead service line, lead can be present in your tap water. The only way to know if your water contains lead is to test it. Contact Erie City Water Authority about free testing programs.
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
Ask your water utility if they have records for your address. You can also inspect the pipe where it enters your home—lead is soft, gray metal; copper is reddish; plastic is white or gray. If you're unsure, have a plumber look at it.
What should I do if my child has been drinking lead water?
Contact your pediatrician or the CDC's lead hotline (1-800-424-5323) for guidance. Your doctor can test your child's blood lead level to determine if action is needed.
Will the water utility replace my lead service line?
Some utilities offer replacement programs, but Erie City Water Authority's current programs and timeline are not listed here. Contact the utility directly to ask about costs, eligibility, and any available financial assistance.