Philadelphia County, PA · PWSID PA1510001
Philadelphia Water Department lead service lines
18,582 lead or galvanized lines to replace
Philadelphia Water Department reported 16,805 lead and 1,777 galvanized-requiring-replacement service lines out of 527,919 in its inventory. That's about 1 in 28 lines. Another 351,513 (67%) are still listed as unknown material.
Ranks #1 of 399 Pennsylvania systems with confirmed lead lines, and #19 nationally.
3.5% of Philadelphia Water Department's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement. That's 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%
Total service lines reported: 527,919. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 1,600,000; 524,021 connections.
Lead test results
Philadelphia Water Department's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (Jun 2025–Sep 2025) was 2 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 15,463 in 2025 Q1 to 18,582 in 2026 Q3: up 3,119 (20%). Lines of unknown material went from 436,341 to 351,513, down 84,828 (19%).
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 Philadelphia Water Department 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
Philadelphia Water Department's main water source is surface water (rivers, lakes or reservoirs). It sells water to 1 other water system: Aqua PA Main System.
Source: EPA SDWIS water system and facility records.
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 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.
Official utility link, checked November 2026.
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 Philadelphia Water Department 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 Philadelphia County
Cities served
ZIP codes served
ZIP codes whose center falls inside Philadelphia Water Department's mapped service area (EPA service area boundaries). Neighboring utilities may serve parts of the same ZIP.
19102191031910419106191071910819109191111911219114191151911619118191191912019121191221912319124191251912619127191281912919130191311913219133191341913519136191371913819139191401914119142191431914419145191461914719148191491915019151191521915319154
Check another water system
Questions
Does Philadelphia Water Department have lead pipes?
Yes. Philadelphia Water Department reported 16,805 lead service lines and 1,777 galvanized lines that must be replaced, out of 527,919 total. 351,513 more are of unknown material.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on Philadelphia Water Department'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 Philadelphia Water Department 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 Philadelphia Water Department had lead violations?
EPA's data shows no Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015 for Philadelphia Water Department.
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, "Philadelphia Water Department lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/pa/philadelphia-water-department/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.