Northampton County, PA · PWSID PA3480046
City of Bethlehem lead service lines
777 lead or galvanized lines to replace
City of Bethlehem reported 0 lead and 777 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 37,089 in its inventory. That's about 1 in 48 lines. Another 29,933 (81%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #22 of 399 Pennsylvania systems with confirmed lead lines, and #475 nationally.
2.1% of City of Bethlehem'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%
- Galvanized (replace) 2.1%
- Unknown 81%
- Non-lead 17%
Total service lines reported: 37,089. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 117,259; 36,709 connections.
Lead test results
City of Bethlehem's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (Jun 2025–Sep 2025) was not detected, 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 924 in 2025 Q1 to 777 in 2026 Q3: down 147 (16%). Lines of unknown material went from 36,058 to 29,933, down 6,125 (17%).
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 1 Lead and Copper Rule violation since 2015 for City of Bethlehem. Health-based violations are treatment failures, such as corrosion control or public education; the rest are missed monitoring or reporting.
| Began | Violation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 2017 | Missed water quality parameter monitoring | Returned to compliance |
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
City of Bethlehem's main water source is surface water (rivers, lakes or reservoirs). It sells water to 3 other water systems: Upper Saucon TWP Water Supply, Pawc Westgate, Lower Saucon Authority.
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 City of Bethlehem 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 Northampton County
Cities served
ZIP codes served
ZIP codes whose center falls inside City of Bethlehem's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
1801818020
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| Easton Area Water System | 42 | 23,011 |
| Northampton Boro Muni Auth | 1,510 | 9,543 |
| Pawc Blue Mountain | 163 | 9,444 |
| Pawc Bangor | 68 | 3,440 |
| Hellertown Borough Authority | 59 | 2,559 |
| Bath Municipal Water Works | 14 | 9 |
| Pawc Westgate | 8 | 201 |
| E Bangor Mun Authority | 5 | 589 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does City of Bethlehem have lead pipes?
Yes. City of Bethlehem reported 0 lead service lines and 777 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 37,089 total. 29,933 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on City of Bethlehem'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 City of Bethlehem 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 City of Bethlehem had lead violations?
EPA's data shows 1 Lead and Copper Rule violation since 2015 for City of Bethlehem.
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, "City of Bethlehem lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/pa/city-of-bethlehem/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.