Carefully Monitoring Lead
In addition to regular tests in customer homes, we also perform rounds of sampling for lead to meet government regulations. We share these results with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the public.
Upcoming changes to guidelines will require more sampling and stricter limits. PWD has been planning for these changes for years, and we are prepared to meet these new requirements.
Coming soon: A map of service line materials
All water service lines in Philadelphia are owned entirely by the property owner. But, upcoming changes to state and federal laws will require us to make data about service lines available to the public.
What's the reasoning behind the new requirements? The goal is to provide property owners and residents with the best available data about the location of lead service lines.
How did we gather the information? We're using data from a variety of sources, including historical records, and tests of service line materials collected during meter upgrade appointments. However, no materials identification method is 100% accurate. Further testing may be required to confirm the materials of the entire length of a service line.
The new map will launch later this fall. In the meantime, we recommend all residents learn this simple way to reduce the risks of lead plumbing in your home.
What is a service line?
The service line is the pipe that carries clean water into your property from the city’s network of water mains.
The service line is a part of your property’s plumbing, even though it’s underground. If you own your property, the service line is your responsibility.
The service line has two sections: the supply side (closest to the property) and the service side (closest to the street).
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