Pennsylvania · population 1,573,916
Lead pipes in Philadelphia, PA
18,582 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Most of Philadelphia (population 1,573,916) gets its water from Philadelphia Water Department. That system reported 16,805 lead and 1,777 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 527,919, with 351,513 more of unknown material.
3.5% of Philadelphia Water Department's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement, about the same as the Pennsylvania average (2.9%) and about the same as the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 3.2%
- Galvanized (replace) 0.3%
- Unknown 67%
- Non-lead 30%
Latest lead test for Philadelphia Water Department (Jun 2025–Sep 2025): 2 ppb at the 90th percentile, against a 15 ppb federal action level. Full test history.
Compliance record: EPA lists no Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015 for Philadelphia Water Department.
Water systems serving Philadelphia
| Water system | Lead | Galv. | Unknown | % lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Water DepartmentMain system | 16,805 | 1,777 | 351,513 | 3.5% |
| Aqua PA Main SystemServes nearby areas | 55 | 4,595 | 39,217 | 1.5% |
Matched from EPA water system service area boundaries and the cities each system reports serving. Edges of the city may be served by a neighboring system; your water bill names your utility.
Replacement program
Free in pilot areas; 0% loans
Philadelphia Water replaces lead lines for free on blocks getting new water mains and through a pilot in ZIP codes 19133, 19134 and 19140 that began in August 2026. Elsewhere, the HELP program offers zero-interest loans to replace a lead service line.
- If PWD is replacing your water main, sign the Service Line Replacement Authorization.
- Pre-apply for a HELP loan at water.phila.gov/HELP or call (215) 685-4901.
Checked November 2026. Sources: water.phila.gov, water.phila.gov. Programs and funding change, so confirm with the utility. Programs in other cities.
Check your address in Philadelphia
The counts above cover the whole water system. To see whether your line is lead, look up your address on Philadelphia Water Department's official inventory. Utilities had to make these public by October 16, 2024.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test.
Protect your drinking water
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead for drinking, cooking and baby formula, and use only cold water.
Choosing a lead-certified filter · Testing your water · Replacement cost
Nearby cities
- Rockledge4,650 lead + galv. lines
- Jenkintown4,650 lead + galv. lines
- Narberth4,650 lead + galv. lines
- Millbourne4,650 lead + galv. lines
- East Lansdowne4,650 lead + galv. lines
- Yeadon4,650 lead + galv. lines
- Lansdowne4,650 lead + galv. lines
- Darby4,650 lead + galv. lines
Check another water system
Questions
Does Philadelphia, PA have lead pipes?
Yes. Philadelphia Water Department, which serves Philadelphia, reported 16,805 lead and 1,777 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines, plus 351,513 of unknown material.
Who supplies water to Philadelphia?
EPA's service area maps place most of Philadelphia in Philadelphia Water Department's service area (PWSID PA1510001). Aqua PA Main System also serves parts of the city or nearby areas.
How do I check whether my Philadelphia home has a lead service line?
Search your address on Philadelphia Water Department's service line inventory map. You can also scratch the pipe where water enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and doesn't attract a magnet.
When will lead pipes in Philadelphia be replaced?
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask Philadelphia Water Department whether your street is scheduled and whether it covers the private side.