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The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) launched a new public-facing online map showing PWD's records of water service line materials for every property in Philadelphia.
This new map is required by federal law and applies to every water system in the nation. Sharing these records is a key step to help remove lead service lines from properties. We estimate about 1 in 20 Philadelphia properties, or 5 percent, may have a lead service line.
Residential service lines are the responsibility of the property owner.
The map and related web pages contain descriptions of materials and guidance for what residents should do based on their categorization.
The records are compiled from multiple sources, including historical records, field inspections, permits, and material tests of one point of the service line during meter upgrades or conservation assistance. Because the City does not own these lines, we have limited historical records.
Materials for each property are categorized as:
- Non-lead (copper or plastic)
- Lead (may require replacement)
- Unknown (learn about unknown materials below)
- Galvanized iron or steel (which also require replacement since they can corrode and decrease water quality)
Service Line Categorization
To categorize a service line, we're required to identify material at three points:
- Material between main and curb stop
- Material between curb stop and meter
- Material at meter
Based on the three points, PWD provides an Overall Categorization for each property. In November, PWD will send letters to residents and property owners notifying them of existing records for service line materials. These letters are an annual requirement moving forward. Letters include background on regulations, information on materials, and actions to take.
What are Unknown Materials?
The majority of service lines are currently categorized as “unknown.” PWD recently checked materials at meters across the City as part of meter upgrade work. Even with this new information, we can't categorize a line as “non-lead” without records for buried portions. However, digging up most of the city's streets and sidewalks to check the buried section is costly and disruptive.
PWD has been testing emerging technologies to help categorize more service lines. Our goal is to reduce the number of unknowns over time. For more information on PWD's work with lead plumbing and water quality, you can view our Service Line Map.
Updating the Map
You can report updated information about your service line back to us.
Please note that any changes may not take effect immediately. These records will be updated over time as we gather additional information. Updates before November 15th will not be reflected in letters to customers.
The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) supplies drinking water and wastewater and stormwater services to customers within the City of Philadelphia.
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