Lead Service Lines in CAPITAL REGION WATER
CAPITAL REGION WATER serves about 66,500 people in Pennsylvania. Like many water systems across the US, it may have lead service lines—the pipes that connect homes to the public water main. Lead exposure from drinking water is a real health concern, especially for young children and pregnant people. The good news: you have practical steps you can take right now.
What you need to know
A lead service line is a water pipe made partly or entirely of lead. These pipes were common in homes built before the 1980s, though they appear in all eras. Water traveling through lead pipes can pick up lead, even if the water leaves the treatment plant clean.
CAPITAL REGION WATER has not yet published a complete inventory of lead service lines in its system. This means the utility is still working to identify which homes have lead pipes. Until that work is done, you won't know for certain whether your home has one—but you can find out.
What to do now
Find out if your home has a lead service line: Contact CAPITAL REGION WATER directly. Ask if your address has a lead service line, or request a records search. The utility may have historical installation records, even if the full inventory isn't public yet. You can also hire a licensed plumber to inspect the pipes at your home—they can often tell by sight or by using a magnet test on exposed pipes in basements or crawl spaces.
Get your water tested: A simple water test costs $15–50 and tells you if lead is present at your tap. Contact your county health department or visit the EPA's find-a-lab tool to locate certified testing near you. Testing is especially important if you have young children or if you're pregnant.
Use a filter if you're concerned: NSF-certified filters rated for lead removal can reduce lead in your drinking and cooking water while you wait for service line replacement. Filters require regular replacement to work properly.
Track the utility's progress: Check back with CAPITAL REGION WATER periodically to ask about their lead service line inventory timeline and any funding (like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) they may receive to replace lines.
Next steps for residents
- Contact CAPITAL REGION WATER to ask if your address has a lead service line on file.
- Have your water tested through a certified lab if you haven't already.
- Call a licensed plumber for a visual inspection of exposed pipes if you want faster answers.
- Ask your utility about their timeline for inventory completion and line replacement programs.
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 home has a lead service line?
Contact your water utility with your address—they may have records of your service line material. A licensed plumber can also inspect exposed pipes in your basement or crawl space, often using a magnet test (lead is not magnetic). The only way to be completely sure is to have a plumber or contractor expose and examine the pipe.
Is lead in water dangerous?
Lead in drinking water can be harmful, especially to young children and pregnant people. For health concerns, talk to your pediatrician or contact the CDC. You can reduce risk by testing your water, using a filter, and flushing your pipes before drinking.
How long does it take to replace a lead service line?
Replacement typically takes 1–3 days per home, though it depends on your property layout and local contractor availability. Many utilities now offer cost-sharing or free replacement programs, funded partly by federal infrastructure grants.
Can a water filter remove lead?
Yes, NSF-certified filters designed for lead removal can reduce lead at your tap. However, filters must be replaced regularly (usually every 6–12 months depending on the product) to stay effective. It's a temporary solution while you wait for service line replacement.