Delaware County, PA · PWSID PA1230004
Chester Water Authority lead service lines
149 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Chester Water Authority reported 148 lead and 1 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 47,939 in its inventory. That's about 1 in 322 lines. Another 38,696 (81%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #63 of 399 Pennsylvania systems with confirmed lead lines, and #1,490 nationally.
0.3% of Chester Water Authority's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement. That's lower than the Pennsylvania average (2.9%) and lower than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 0.3%
- Galvanized (replace) <0.1%
- Unknown 81%
- Non-lead 19%
Total service lines reported: 47,939. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 140,437; 44,371 connections.
Lead test results
Chester Water Authority's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (Jun 2025–Sep 2025) was 4.8 ppb, below both the 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level that takes effect in 2027. This means 90% of homes sampled were at or below that level; individual homes, especially those with lead lines, can be higher.
Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile results reported to EPA, in parts per billion. Dashed lines: 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level from November 1, 2027.
Progress since 2025 Q1
Reported lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines went from 149 in 2025 Q1 to 149 in 2026 Q3: no change. Lines of unknown material went from 38,696 to 38,696, no change.
Quarterly counts reported to EPA. A drop usually means lines were replaced or confirmed non-lead; a rise usually means more lines were identified. Replacement progress rankings.
Lead rule violations
EPA's data lists no Lead and Copper Rule violations for Chester Water Authority since 2015. That covers testing, reporting, corrosion control and public notice requirements; it isn't a guarantee about any individual home.
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
Chester Water Authority's main water source is surface water (rivers, lakes or reservoirs). It sells water to 11 other water systems: Artesian Water Company (DE), Veolia Water Delaware, INC (DE), Town of Rising Sun (MD), Artesian Water PA INC, Oxford Borough, Aqua PA West Chester, Kennett Square Mun Water Works, London Grove TWP Mun Auth, Veolia Water Bethel, Aqua PA Main System, Londonderry Court MHP.
Source: EPA SDWIS water system and facility records.
Check your own address
These counts cover the whole system. To see whether your line is lead, use the utility's address-level inventory. Utilities had to prepare one by October 16, 2024 and make it publicly accessible; systems serving more than 50,000 people must post it online.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test on the pipe where water enters your home.
Protect your drinking water now
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, filter water for drinking, cooking and baby formula. Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead. Run cold water for a few minutes after it sits for hours, and never use hot tap water for cooking.
How to pick a lead-certified filter · How to test your water for lead
Getting the line replaced
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask Chester Water Authority whether it replaces the private side for free or with a cost share before you hire anyone. If you want it done sooner, or your utility doesn't cover your side, a licensed plumber can quote it. What replacement costs.
County pages: Lead pipes in Delaware County
Cities served
ZIP codes served
ZIP codes whose center falls inside Chester Water Authority's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
1901319014190151906019061193111934219374
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| Veolia Water Bethel | 0 | 0 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does Chester Water Authority have lead pipes?
Yes. Chester Water Authority reported 148 lead service lines and 1 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 47,939 total. 38,696 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on Chester Water Authority's official service line inventory, which utilities must make publicly available. You can also scratch the pipe where it enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and does not attract a magnet.
When will Chester Water Authority replace lead service lines?
Under EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, most systems must replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037, starting from November 1, 2027. The rule is being challenged in court, so dates could change. Many utilities run free or cost-share programs now.
Has Chester Water Authority had lead violations?
EPA's data shows no Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015 for Chester Water Authority.
Which water filters remove lead?
Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction, or NSF/ANSI 58 for reverse osmosis. Check the certification on NSF's listings, not just the box.
Embed or cite this data
Local news sites, blogs and community groups can embed this card. It updates when EPA releases new data.
Citation: Lead Pipe Map, "Chester Water Authority lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/pa/chester-water-authority/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.