2020 Drinking Water Quality Report

Published in 2021

Your tap is locally sourced.

Water from our rivers is treated to the highest standards.

Contact Information

Philadelphia Water Department
1101 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Public Water System ID #PA1510001

Brian Rademaekers
Public Information Specialist II, Public Affairs
(215) 380-9327

Sharing this report

water.phila.gov/2020-quality 2020 Drinking Water Quality Report, published in 2021
View as PDF

Please share this report with all people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand and mail.

To receive a printed copy of this report, please email: waterquality@phila.gov

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PWD Commissioner Randy Hayman stands smiling in front of the windows and an antique desk in his office, wearing a white shirt and blue suit, with one hand in his pocket. His office is on the rounded corner of the building, so two of the windows show his reflection from different angles, along with the buildings across the street, and the third shows a reflection of his office wall behind the camera.

A message from the Commissioner

It is my pleasure to present our 2020 Water Quality Report, created to ensure Philadelphians know what the science shows: our drinking water is safe, clean, and top-quality.

During a year when the pandemic made it critically clear that having clean water at home is essential, we met many challenges and delivered on our daily pledge to protect the health and safety of those we serve.

This report features water quality information collected throughout 2020.

You will also find information about where your water comes from, and how we protect your safety as water moves from the rivers, through our plants and pipes, and into your home.

This new, more accessible approach — showing customers how we maintain quality at every step — was developed by our Public Affairs team in close collaboration with our Bureau of Laboratory Services.

Following water on its journey to your tap also shows that access to excellent quality water around the clock is made possible only through the hard work and dedication of more than 2,000 Water Department employees.

We hope you take the time to review the wealth of information in this report.

If you’d like to volunteer and help keep our waterways clean, please follow @PhillyH2O on social media, call our 24-hour hotline at (215) 685-6300, or visit water.phila.gov

You can also sign up for email and text alerts at phillyh2o.info/signup.

Sincerely,

Randy E. Hayman, Esq.
Water Commissioner

How this document is organized

This story follows our water quality work from source and treatment through delivery to your home.

Image of a two-story beige building with trees on either side and a large blue rectangle representing a reservoir full of water behind it
Part One: Source & Treatment

Philly’s local water sources, and what we do to keep water safe

Image of a parking lot, a girl, two cars and a tree. Parking lot's surface is cut away to reveal water pipes underneath.
Part Two: Delivery

Safe transit through the system

Image of a small apartment building and trees on a street. The wall of the house is cut away to show kitchen and basement sinks and water pipes under the street that lead to the house
Part Three: At Home

The final stretch to your tap

a blue magnifying glass, zooming in on a section of water quality data tables
2020 Data Tables & more

Look for these quick guides throughout the report:

A Closer Look

a hypothetical example of a bar chart shows four light blue rectangles at different heights

Charts and graphs let you see the data in a new way 

Here’s the story of why we do this test

Handwritten notes explain how and why we do these tests 

☑ RESULT:

All results are better than the recommended federal levels.

Look here for key takeaways 

Part One: Source & Treatment

We take water from the Delaware River at one of our three treatment plants in Philadelphia

Your water begins in freshwater streams

Philadelphia’s water comes from the Delaware River Watershed. The watershed begins in New York State and extends 330 miles south to the mouth of the Delaware Bay. The Schuylkill River is part of the Delaware River Watershed.

A map showing the Delaware and Schuylkill River Watersheds, which supply Philadelphia's water. The map includes the entire eastern border of Pennsylvania, most of New Jersey, and a bit of Delaware and Maryland (which aren't labeled). The Delaware watershed covers and loosely follows that border,, extending farther west into PA than it does east into NJ. It includes Allentown, Reading, and Philadelphia, PA, Trenton New Jersey, and downstream of us, Wilmington, DE. Scranton is included on the map but is outside the watershed. The Schuylkill watershed is a subsection of the Delaware's, on the west side, extending from north and west of Reading southeast to Philadelphia, where the Schuylkill River joins the Delaware.

Protection starts at the sources.

We take a holistic approach, beginning with Philadelphia’s water supply characteristics. We monitor actual pollution sources, and look for potential sources of contamination. We keep track of water availability and flow.

Our wide range of tools includes:
Research
  • We study regional influences like natural gas drilling, and global influences like sea level rise.
Projects in the field
  • Protecting against stormwater and agricultural runoff.
  • Monitoring water contaminants.
Partnerships
  • We team up with upstream groups to help safe water flow to Philadelphia from areas outside the city.

Looking closely for potential threats

Cryptosporidium, a microscopic organism sometimes found in freshwater, can cause illness in humans. We are one of the nation’s leaders in Cryptosporidium research. We work closely with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health to ensure our tap water is free of Cryptosporidium and other organisms.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are potentially harmful chemicals that have been used in industry and many consumer products. We voluntarily test for PFAS in the city’s rivers and creeks. PWD’s water sampling has not detected amounts at or above the EPA’s health advisory levels.

A recent independent test by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection showed no detectable PFAS concentrations in Philadelphia’s treated drinking water.

a simplified map of Philadelphia shows the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers, with Market and Broad Streets indicated for reference. PWD's three drinking water treatment plants are displayed - Belmont on the northern edge of West Philly, Queen Lane on the other side of the Schuylkill in the northwest, and Baxter up in the Northeast by the Delaware. Areas of the city are shaded in different colors and patterns to indicate which plant(s) provide water to those sections - Belmont is the primary source for the part of Philadelphia west of the Schuylkill - most of that area also recieves a mix of water from the other plants, with only a strip in the northern part of West Philly being served exclusively by the Belmont plant. Queen Lane serves Northwest Philadelphia, and Baxter serves all of the North and Northeast. Those areas meet around north Broad Street, with sections around and slightly west of Broad, and much of Center City and all of South Philly receiving a mix of water from Queen Lane and Baxter.
key indicating what the colors/patterns of shading in the map mean (map's alt text provides a detailed description)

One city.
Two rivers.
Three treatment plants.

Philadelphia has two rivers that provide our drinking water: the Delaware River and the Schuylkill River. PWD operates three water treatment plants: Baxter, Queen Lane, and Belmont.

Where you live in Philadelphia determines which plant(s) treat your water!

Enter your address to find out where you get your water:

A smiling PWD employee stands with arms crossed at one of our water treatment plants, wearing navy blue coveralls with a "Philadelphia Water" patch, black glasses, hoop earrings, a black head wrap, and blue disposable gloves.

High-quality staff.
High-quality results.

The experts working at our treatment plants take pride in using water drawn from our local rivers.

Hundreds of millions of gallons of top-quality drinking water are produced every day.

Drinking Water Treatment Plants:
An important early step in water’s journey.

Treatment processes

Once collected, river water goes through multiple processes to ensure it’s crystal clear and safe.

Gravity settling

River water is pumped to reservoirs. Sediment settles.

Disinfection

We add Sodium Hypochlorite to kill harmful organisms.

Coagulant, flocculation, and pH

Gentle mixing helps particles clump together. We also adjust the acidity.

Additional settling

Clumps of particles settle and are removed.

Additional disinfection

We add Sodium Hypochlorite a second time to kill any remaining harmful organisms.

Filtration

Filters remove more microscopic particles.

Additional treatment

Ingredients like Fluoride, Zinc Phosphate, and Ammonia help keep water healthy and safe.

a scientist with short salt and pepper hair and close cropped beard, wearing a white lab coat and black glasses is seen in profile, peering into a microscope with pencil in hand.

Before it leaves the plant

We test our treated water for about 100 regulated contaminants, ranging from organisms like bacteria to chemicals like nitrate.

In 2020, we found no violations under state and federal regulations.

Final touches

Chlorine + Ammonia

Chlorine protects us from organisms found in untreated water that can cause disease. Ammonia is added to make the chlorine last longer and reduce the bleach-like smell.

Fluoride

All water contains some fluoride. We adjust the natural levels slightly to help protect your teeth against decay.

Zinc orthophosphate

Zinc orthophosphate is a compound that helps a protective coating form on pipes. It prevents corrosion (or breaking down over time).

A Closer Look

Hardness

The hardness of water is determined by the minerals naturally dissolved in it.

Hardness can vary based on natural conditions – for example, a drought can impact hardness.

Hardness matters if you use your water for activities like brewing beer or keeping a home aquarium. Customers often ask about hardness when researching appliances like dishwashers.

2020 Results
A bar chart with calcium carbonates in parts per million indicated on the vertical scale, from 0 ("Soft") to 200 ("Very Hard"). Three bars on the chart indicate the hardness as tested at each of PWDs three drinking water treatment plants. Belmont is shown at a little over 130 ppm, and Queen Lane a bit below 170 ppm, both in the range considered "Hard". The bar for Baxter indicates a bit under 100 ppm, considered "Moderately Hard".
What this means for you

Hardness matters if you use your water for activities like brewing beer or keeping a home aquarium.
Most customers don’t need to monitor their water’s hardness.

☑ Result:

Philadelphia’s water is moderately hard or hard, depending on which treatment plant serves your neighborhood.

Part Two Delivery

Large scale water mains help transport water from treatment plants to customers.

A safe path through the system

We have about 3,100 miles of water mains that deliver clean tap to customers. To ensure water stays safe as it moves from the plant to you, we take samples and monitor real-time water quality data, 24/7.

A Closer Look

Residual Chlorine

This test is done throughout the system. It checks that the chlorine added at plants remains at levels that keep water fresh and safe while staying within regulations.

2020 Results
A chart showing the range of acceptable levels of Residual Chlorine in parts per million (ppm). The lowest level allowed is indicated at 0.2 ppm, while the highest level allowed is indicated at 4.0 ppm. PWD's monthly average is shown to be right in the middle, indicated as a range shaded with diagonal lines from a little below 2.0 to just below 2.5 ppm.
What this means for you

We travel the city to collect samples of drinking water from fire and police stations, pumping stations and more.
We do over 420 of these tests every month!

☑ Result:

Better than standards.

A PWD employee with reddish brown slicked-back hair and short beard, wearing black glasses, a blue PWD polo shirt, and blue jeans, stands smiling in front of a bank of machinery with lots of tubes, sensors, and small display panels

Real-time results

We use sensors throughout the system to track water quality in real-time.

These extra tests let us know if the quality changes as the water travels through our network of mains.

At night in Center City, a crew of 5 wearing hard hats and yellow reflective vests over orange t-shirts and blue jeans, with white and orange work gloves, unspools a section of sewer lining from the back of a box truck, laying it out flat on the street. Shops and trees line both sides of the street, and the One Liberty Place tower is visible in the background with its crown lights lit up red and the spire white.
Check out PWD's Drinking Water Master Plan

25-year Drinking Water Plan

Over 400 significant improvements, including 10 key projects, are designed to strengthen the system that has served this city for centuries. From pumping stations to water mains, we’ll keep the water safe as it flows across the city. And we’re making sure our infrastructure is reliable, robust and resilient, for today and tomorrow.

Part Three: At Home

Every home on your block relies on a service line to carry water from the main to the property.

Your Service Line: The final stretch

Once it leaves our water main and enters your service line, you and your property’s plumbing can play a role in keeping water safe.

a cutaway diagram showing the basement of a home and the pipes underground outside it. a larger pipe running under the street is labeled "water main" and a pipe running from the main into the basement of the home to the water meter is labeled "your service line"

Most people don’t know this is part of their home’s plumbing.
(above)

Corrosion Control

Philadelphia has a corrosion control program mandated by federal law and optimized over the past two decades. It minimizes the release of lead from service lines, indoor pipes, fixtures, and solder by creating a coating designed to keep lead from leaching into the water.

illustration of a pipe with very little buildup on the inside, so water can flow through it easily and remain clean and clear
With corrosion control
pipe shown with corrosion and residue built up on the inside, impeding the flow, and particles that have broken loose are visible in the water.
Without corrosion control

What do we mean by “flushing your pipes”?

Flushing pushes the water that is sitting in pipes out and down your drain until clean water comes through the tap. When pipes are disturbed during construction or repairs, they might require flushing.

Clean water starts at
our water mains.

diagram shows a section of water main with an arrow labeled "start" pointing away from it, along a customer's service line. The pipe enters the basement, where the water meter is, and then another section of pipe carries it to the rest of the house. A second arrow points upward to the first fixture it reaches where water can be run, to flush the pipes, typically a basement utility sink or bathtub or sink with aerator removed on the lowest level with a bathroom.

Running the tap gets rid
of water sitting in pipes.

Healthy home habit

If you haven’t used water for 6 hours or more: Run your cold water for 3-5 minutes. This will flush out water that’s been sitting in your pipes.

It only costs a penny or two to ensure top-quality tap!

Residents stop by the Philly Water Bar table at summer events to learn about our safe, high-quality, affordable, convenient, and refreshing tap water - and grab an ice-cold glass!

Talking about tap water

In neighborhoods across Philadelphia, our customers tell us what matters to them. When it comes to tap water, there’s a lot to talk about!

For starters, some residents are surprised they can get great drinking water right at home for less than a penny per gallon.

In each conversation, we hear loud and clear: Safe drinking water is a top priority, and lead is a topic people want to learn more about.

Our drinking water mains are not made of lead.
However, some older buildings may have lead plumbing.

Lead in a property’s plumbing

A home’s older fixtures & valves:

Lead can be found in older fixtures and valves, and in old solder, where pipes are joined.

Service Line:

This pipe connects a property’s plumbing to the water main in the street and is the responsibility of the property owner.

A Closer Look

Carefully monitoring Lead

In addition to regular tests in customer homes, every three years we complete a rigorous round of sampling for lead and copper. We take samples from homes that have lead service lines.

We share the results with the EPA and the public.

The EPA requires that 90% of homes show lead levels less than 15 ppb.

Recent results
lead levels plotted on a chart with a vertical scale of 0 to 16 parts per billion, with lines at 2 ppb intervals. The highest level allowed is indicated at 15 ppb. Results from 2011 are plotted with a dot below the 6 ppb line. The 2014 dot is slightly lower, right about 5 ppb. The 2017 indicator is just above 2 ppb, and 2019 is marked slightly higher, a little below 3 ppb. A note to the right says "The last 4 rounds of testing show levels well below limits."
What this means for you

Soon, the EPA will update their guidelines for sampling. This will impact future results. We support this effort to make sure the sampling is accurate, and to help identify homes with lead plumbing.

☑ Result:

Lead levels are consistently lower than limits set by the EPA.

US EPA Guidance

The EPA requires public water providers like the Philadelphia Water Department to monitor drinking water for lead at customer taps. If lead levels are higher than 15 parts per billion (ppb) in more than 10% of taps sampled, water providers must inform customers and take steps to reduce lead in water.

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from material and components associated with service lines and home plumbing.

The Philadelphia Water Department is responsible for providing safe drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. If you haven’t turned on your tap for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap before using water for drinking and cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800) 426-4791 or at: www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

a worker in blue shirt and overalls, yellow hard hat, reflective vest, and work gloves, is seen from the hips upward while digging a hole in the sidewalk in front of a brick building. The bottom of the front steps and an orange cone are visible in the background..

We offer a zero-interest loan for replacing lead service lines.

The Homeowners Emergency Loand Program (HELP) can cover the cost of a replacement.

Learn more & apply: www.phila.gov/water/helploan

2020 Data tables & more

All of PWD’s results are better than the recommended federal levels designed to protect public health.

This data shows how our process keeps your drinking water safe.

By reporting these results in these tables, we are meeting a requirement of the EPA.

Some contaminants may pose a health risk at certain levels to people with special health concerns.
Others are used as indicators for treatment plant performance.

What’s a “PPM”?

Many of these results are reported as “parts per million (ppm)” or “parts per billion (ppb)”.

Here’s what that looks like:
PPM vs. PPB

ppm (parts per million):
Denotes 1 part per 1,000,000 parts, which is equivalent to two thirds of a gallon in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

ppb (parts per billion):
Denotes 1 part per 1,000,000,000 parts, which is equivalent to half a teaspoon in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

For more abbreviations and their definitions, visit the Glossary.

Illustration: GoodStudio / Shutterstock.com, and Philadelphia Water Department

What we test for and how

Public drinking water systems monitor their treated drinking water for approximately 100 regulated contaminants. These regulatory parameters are defined within federal rules such as the Revised Total Coliform Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule, Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rules, Lead and Copper Rule and the Radionuclides Rule.

We monitor for the regulated parameters listed below.

Any contaminants found are noted in the tables on the following pages:
Inorganic Chemicals

Antimony
Arsenic
Barium
Beryllium
Cadmium
Chromium
Copper
Cyanide

Fluoride
Lead
Mercury
Nickel
Nitrate
Nitrite
Selenium
Thallium

Synthetic Organic Chemicals

2,3,7,8 – TCDD (Dioxin)
2,4 – D, 2,4,5 – TP (Silvex)
Alachlor
Atrazine
Benzopyrene
Carbofuran
Chlordane
Dalapon
Di(ethylhexyl)adipate
Di(ethylhexyl)phthalate
Dibromochloropropane
Dinoseb
Diquat
Endothall
Endrin

Ethylene Dibromide
Glyphosate
Heptachlor
Heptachlor epoxide
Hexachlorobenzene
Hexachlorocyclopentadiene
Lindane
Methoxychlor
Oxamyl
PCBs Total
Pentachlorophenol
Picloram
Simazine
Toxaphene

Volatile Organic Chemicals

Benzene
Carbon Tetrachloride
1,2-Dichloroethane
o-Dichlorobenzene
p-Dichlorobenzene
1,1-Dichloroethylene
cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Dichloromethane
1,2-Dichloropropane
Ethylbenzene

Monochlorobenzene
Styrene
Tetrachloroethylene
Toluene
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
1,11-Trichloroethane
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Trichloroethylene
o-Xylene
m,p-Xylenes
Vinyl Chloride

Other factors that can impact drinking water
Appealing to Your Senses

We work to ensure your water looks, tastes and smells the way it should.

To meet all water quality taste and odor guidelines, we test for the following: alkalinity, aluminum, chloride, color, hardness, iron, manganese, odor, pH, silver, sodium, sulfate, surfactants, total dissolved solids, turbidity and zinc.

Temperature and Cloudiness

The temperature of the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers varied seasonally in 2020 from approximately 36°–84° Fahrenheit. PWD does not treat the water for temperature.

Cloudiness in tap water most commonly happens in the winter, when the cold water from the water main is warmed up quickly in household plumbing. Cold water and water under pressure can hold more air than warmer water and water open to the atmosphere.

When really cold winter water comes out of your tap, it’s simultaneously warming up and being relieved of the pressure it was under inside the water main and your plumbing. The milky white color is actually just tiny air bubbles. If you allow the glass to sit undisturbed for a few minutes, you will see it clear up gradually.

Regulated Radiological Contaminants & Asbestos

In 2020, PWD monitored for radiological contaminants: uranium, gross alpha and combined radium and also asbestos at the three water treatment plants.
All results were non-detect.

2020 Data tables

Lead & Copper – Tested at Customers’ Taps: Testing is done every 3 years.  Most recent tests were done in 2019.
EPA’s Action Level – for a representative sampling of customer homes Ideal Goal (EPA’s MCLG) 90% of PWD customers’ homes were less than Number of homes considered to have elevated levels Violation Source
Lead 90% of homes must test less than 15 ppb 0 ppb 3.0 ppb 2 out of 99 No Corrosion of household plumbing; Erosion of natural deposits
Copper 90% of homes must test less than 1.3 ppm 1.3 ppm .28 ppm 0 out of 99 No Corrosion of household plumbing; Erosion of natural deposits; Leeching from wood preservatives
Inorganic Chemicals (IOC) – PWD monitors for IOC more often than required by EPA.
Chemical Highest Level Allowed (EPA’s MCL) Ideal Goal (EPA’s MCLG) Highest Result Range of Test Results for the Year Violation Source
Antimony 6 ppb 6 ppb 0.3 ppb 0–0.3 ppb No Discharge from petroleum refineries; fire retardants; ceramics; electronics; solder
Barium 2 ppm 2 ppm 0.049 ppm 0.026–0.049 ppm No Discharges of drilling wastes; Discharge from metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits
Chromium 100 ppb 100 ppb 2 ppb 0–2 ppb No Discharge from steel and pulp mills; Erosion of natural deposits
Fluoride 2 ppm* 2 ppm* 0.75 ppm 0.66–0.75 ppm No Erosion of natural deposits; Water additive which promotes strong teeth; Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories
Nitrate 10 ppm 10 ppm 3.74 ppm 0.66–3.74 ppm No Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks; Erosion of natural deposits
* EPA’s MCL and MCLG is 4 ppm, but PADEP has set this lower MCL and MCLG which takes precedence.
Total Chlorine Residual – Continuously Monitored at Water Treatment Plants
Sample Location Minimum Disinfectant Residual Level Allowed Lowest Level Detected Yearly Range Violation Source
Baxter WTP 0.2 ppm 2.34 ppm 2.34–3.47 ppm No Water additive used to control microbes
Belmont WTP 1.63 ppm 1.63–2.87 ppm
Queen Lane WTP 2.01 ppm 2.01–3.64 ppm
Total Chlorine Residual – Tested throughout the Distribution System. Over 360 samples collected throughout the City every month.
Sample Location Maximum Disinfectant Residual Allowed Highest Monthly Average Monthly Average Range Violation Source
Distribution System 4.0 ppm 2.43 ppm 1.87–2.43 ppm No Water additive used to control microbes
Total Organic Carbon – Tested at Water Treatment Plants
Treatment Technique Requirement Baxter WTP One Year Average Belmont WTP One Year Average Queen Lane WTP One Year Average Violation Source
Percent of Removal Required 25–45% 25–45% 15–45% n/a Naturally present in the environment
Percent of Removal Achieved* 34–75% 0–77% 25–76% No
Number of Quarters out of Compliance* 0 0 0
* PWD achieved TOC removal requirements in all quarters of 2020 at all WTPs. Compliance is based on a running annual average computed quarterly. The numbers shown represent a range of TOC results in weekly samples.
Turbidity, A Measure of Clarity – Tested at Water Treatment Plants
Baxter WTP One Year Average Baxter WTP One Year Average Queen Lane WTP One Year Average Violation Source
Treatment Technique Requirement: 95% of samples must be at or below 0.300 NTU 100% below 0.300 NTU 100% below 0.300 NTU 100% below 0.300 NTU n/a Soil runoff, river sediment
Highest single value for the year 0.095 NTU 0.140 NTU 0.093 NTU No
We are required to monitor your drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular basis. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether or not your drinking water meets health standards. PWD continuously operates and monitors water quality from a total of 160 filters at three drinking water treatment plants.
Disinfection By-Products
Highest Level Allowed (EPA’s MCL) – One Year Average Running Annual Average 2020* System Wide Range of Results Violation Source
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) 80 ppb 47 ppb 17–85 ppb No By-product of drinking water disinfection
Total Haloacetic Acids (THAAs) 60 ppb 40 ppb 10–65 ppb No By-product of drinking water disinfection
* Monitoring is conducted at 16 locations throughout the City of Philadelphia. This result is the highest locational running annual average in 2020.
Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring (UCMR)1
Chemical Testing Period Average Range
Bromide2 1/14/2020 0.034 ppm 0–0.052 ppm
Total Organic Carbon (TOC)2 1/14/2020 2.27 ppm 2.19–2.34 ppm
HAA5 Total3 1/14/2020 21.3 ppb 14.8–31.3 ppb
HAA6Br Total4 1/14/2020 7.1 ppb 3.8–10.3 ppb
HAA9 Total5 1/14/2020 28.2 ppb 23.6–35.5 ppb
Manganese 1/15/2020 0.55 ppb 0–0.95 ppb
  • 1 Unless otherwise noted, samples were collected from finished water sampling locations.
  • 2 Bromide and TOC represent source water samples.
  • 3 HAA5 Total – Dibromoacetic Acid, Dichloroacetic Acid, Monobromoacetic Acid, Monochloroacetic Acid, and Trichloroacetic Acid
  • 4 HAA6Br Total – Bromochloroacetic Acid, Bromodichloroacetic Acid, Dibromoacetic Acid, Dibromochloroacetic Acid, Monobromoacetic Acid, and Tribromoacetic Acid
  • 5 HAA9 Total – Bromochloroacetic Acid, Bromodichloroacetic Acid, Chlorodibromoacetic Acid, Dibromoacetic Acid, Dichloroacetic Acid, Monobromoacetic Acid, Monochloroacetic Acid, Tribromoacetic Acid, and Trichloroacetic Acid

In 2020, PWD performed special monitoring as part of the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR), a nationwide monitoring effort conducted by the EPA. Unregulated contaminants are those that do not yet have a drinking water standard set by the EPA. The purpose of monitoring for these contaminants is to help the EPA decide whether the contaminants should have a standard. For more information concerning UCMR, visit these websites: https://www.epa.gov/dwucmr/fourth-unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule or https://drinktap.org/Water-Info/Whats-in-My-Water/Unregulated-Contaminant-Monitoring-Rule-UCMR

Unregulated Contaminants Not Detected At Any of the Sampling Locations:
1‑Butanol, 2‑Methoxyethanol, 2‑Propen‑1‑ol, alpha‑Hexachlorocyclohexane, anatoxin‑a, Butylated Hydroxyanisole, Chlorpyrifos, Cylindrospermopsin, Dimethipin, Ethoprop, Germanium, Microcystin Total, Nodularin, o‑Toluidine, Oxyfluorfen, Permethrin Total, Profenofos, Quinoline, Tebuconazole, Tribufos
Cryptosporidium – Tested at Source Water to Water Treatment Plants Prior to Treatment in 1/1/2017–3/31/2017
Treatment Technique Required Baxter WTP One Year Average Baxter WTP One Year Average Queen Lane WTP One Year Average Source
Total Number of Samples Collected 6 6 6 Naturally present in the environment.
Number of Cryptosporidium Detected 15 2 6
0.250 count/L 0.033 count/L 0.100 count/L
Cryptosporidium is a microbial pathogen found in surface water throughout the U.S. Although filtration removes Cryptosporidium, the most commonly-used filtration methods cannot guarantee 100 percent removal. Our monitoring indicates the presence of these organisms in our source water. Current test methods do not allow us to determine if the organisms are dead or if they are capable of causing disease.

Sodium, Hardness, and Alkalinity in tap water

The parameters listed below are not part of EPA’s requirements and are provided for information purposes.

WATER TIP :

Parameters like these matter if you use your water for activities like brewing beer or keeping a home aquarium.

Sodium in tap water
Baxter WTP One Year Average Belmont WTP One Year Average Queen Lane WTP One Year Average
Average (ppm) 22 ppm 39 ppm 37 ppm
Average (mg in 8 oz. glass of water) 5 mg 9 mg 9 mg
Range (ppm) 16–32 ppm 25–52 ppm 26–44 ppm
Range (mg in 8 oz. glass of water) 4–8 mg 6–12 mg 6–10 mg
Hardness in tap water
Baxter WTP One Year Average Belmont WTP One Year Average Queen Lane WTP One Year Average
Average 97 ppm or 6 gpg 136 ppm or 8 gpg 169 ppm or 10 gpg
Minimum 81 ppm or 5 gpg 100 ppm or 6 gpg 127 ppm or 7 gpg
Maximum 113 ppm or 7 gpg 186 ppm or 11 gpg 221 ppm or 13 gpg
Hardness defines the quantity of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, in water. These minerals react with soap to form insoluble precipitates and can affect common household chores such as cooking and washing. Philadelphia’s water is considered “medium” hard.
Alkalinity in tap water
Baxter WTP One Year Average Belmont WTP One Year Average Queen Lane WTP One Year Average
Average 38 ppm 68 ppm 75 ppm
Minimum 25 ppm 34 ppm 49 ppm
Maximum 53 ppm 102 ppm 111 ppm

Glossary

Some of the words we use in the charts above may not be familiar to you. Here are definitions of technical and other terms.

  • Action Level: The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow. The action level is not based on one sample; instead, it is based on many samples.
  • Alkalinity: A measure of the water’s ability to resist changes in the pH level and a good indicator of overall water quality. Although there is no health risk from alkalinity, we monitor it to check our treatment processes.
  • E. coli (Escherichia coli): A type of coliform bacteria that is associated with human and animal fecal waste.
  • gpg (grains per gallon): A unit of water hardness. One grain per gallon is equal to 17.1 parts per million.
  • MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
  • MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level Goal): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
  • mg/L (Milligrams per liter): One milligram per liter is equal to one part per million.
  • MRDL (Maximum Residual Disinfection Level): The highest level of disinfectant that is allowed in drinking water. The addition of a disinfectant is necessary for the control of microbial contaminants.
  • MRDLG (Maximum Residual Disinfection Level Goal): The level of a disinfectant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
  • Minimum Residual Disinfectant Level: The minimum level of residual disinfectant required at the entry point to the distribution system.
  • NTU (nephelometric turbidity units): Turbidity is measured with an instrument called a nephelometer. Measurements are given in nephelometric turbidity units.
  • Pathogens: Bacteria, virus, or other microorganisms that can cause disease.
  • pCi/L (Picocuries per liter): A measure of radioactivity.
  • ppm (parts per million): Denotes 1 part per 1,000,000 parts, which is equivalent to two thirds of a gallon in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
  • ppb (parts per billion): Denotes 1 part per 1,000,000,000 parts, which is equivalent to half a teaspoon in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
  • μg/L (Microgram per liter): One microgram per liter is equal to one part per billion.
  • ppt (parts per trillion): Denotes 1 part per 1,000,000,000,000 parts, which is equivalent to one drop in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
  • Service Line: The pipe that brings water from the water main into your home or business.
  • SOC (Synthetic Organic Chemical): Commercially made organic compounds, such as pesticides and herbicides.
  • Total Coliform: Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the environment. Their presence in drinking water may indicate that other potentially harmful bacteria are also present.
  • THAAs (Total Haloacetic Acids): A group of chemicals known as disinfection byproducts. These form when a disinfectant reacts with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter in the water.
  • TOC (Total Organic Carbon): A measure of the carbon content of organic matter. This measure is used to indicate the amount of organic material in the water that could potentially react with a disinfectant to form disinfection byproducts.
  • TTHMs (Total Trihalomethanes): A group of chemicals known as disinfection byproducts. These form when a disinfectant reacts with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter in the water.
  • Treatment Technique: A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
  • Turbidity: A measure of the clarity of water related to its particle content. Turbidity serves as an indicator for the effectiveness of the water treatment process. Low turbidity measurements, such as ours, show the significant removal of particles that are much smaller than can be seen by the naked eye.
  • VOC (Volatile Organic Chemicals): Organic chemicals that can be either man-made or naturally occurring. These include gases and volatile liquids.
  • WTP: Water Treatment Plant
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Top Customer Questions

How do I get my water tested?

We offer free lead and copper tests for residential customers who have concerns about their water.

To request an appointment Call (215) 685-6300

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How hard is Philadelphia’s water?

Philadelphia’s water is considered moderately hard. Hardness depends on the treatment plant that serves your area of the city.

See A Closer Look at Hardness

Why does water have an earthy flavor sometimes?

Earthy or musty flavors occur naturally in drinking water and are among the most commonly reported worldwide. When certain algae-type organisms grow in our rivers, detectable levels of these odors can make their way into the treated drinking water.

These natural compounds have no known health effects at their natural levels, and are found in various foods.

We take steps to reduce their presence when detected.

Why do water utilities add fluoride to water?

It’s a natural element that helps prevent cavities. Philadelphia’s Health Department (and dentists) recommend that we add fluoride to a level that helps protect children’s teeth.

Can I replace a lead service line?

Yes. If you don’t want to contact a plumber directly, apply for our Homeowners Emergency Loan Program (HELP).

A zero-interest loan can cover the cost of replacement.

Learn more & apply

Also: PWD will replace lead service lines for free if they are discovered during planned work on water mains.

Why does my tap water smell like a pool sometimes?

The smell of chlorine means your water is safe and treated to remove harmful organisms. You can reduce the smell by keeping a pitcher of fresh water in the refrigerator. This also reduces the earthy odor sometimes produced by algae in the rivers during spring.

Two are at the bottom of the hill using shovels to excavate an overturned shopping cart partially buried in the silt at the edge of a creek, under the arc of a concrete bridge. A third, holding a pair of work gloves in one hand while bracing against the bridge with the other, carefully steps down the hill to join them.

Working together

Keep trash out of our waterways. Make sure to put your recyclable paper, metal, and plastics in a recycling bin, and disposable gloves, masks, food waste, and other garbage in a trash can, so they don’t end up in our rivers and streams.

Don’t flush anything but toilet paper – even “flushable” wipes. They don’t dissolve like toilet paper and can lead to clogs and backups, causing waste to flow into our homes and our streets.

Always properly recycle or dispose of household hazardous wastes. Don’t flush them down the toilet or down the sink, and don’t pour them into storm drains. Many storm drains flow directly to our streams and rivers.

Join a cleanup. (above)
Group cleanups help remove trash and litter from our waterways. To learn about upcoming cleanups, keep an eye on the @PhillyH2O Blog and social media, email waterinfo@phila.gov, or call (215) 685-6300.

Sign up for email or text message updates from PWD to get the latest news, useful information, and find out about upcoming events. You can sign up for email and text alerts at phillyh2o.info/signup.

Take a tour. Tour a water treatment plant to learn more about how we test and treat our water, or visit Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) sites to learn how Philadelphia is using GSI to keep our water cleaner and make our city greener. To schedule a tour, email waterinfo@phila.gov.

(above) Check out the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center for educational programming and resources on topics from our water infrastructure, watersheds, and local native wildlife to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math).

Organizations we partner with

  • American Water Resources Association
  • American Water Works Association
  • American Water Works Association Partnership for Safe Water
  • American Public Works Association
  • Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies
  • National Association of Clean Water Agencies
  • Partnership for the Delaware Estuary
  • Schuylkill Action Network
  • Schuylkill River Restoration Fund
  • Tookany/Tacony-Frankford (TTF) Watershed Partnership
  • U.S. Water Alliance
  • Water Environment Federation
  • Water Environment Research Foundation
  • Water Research Foundation

Sharing this report

water.phila.gov/2020-quality

Please share this report with all people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand and mail.

To receive a printed copy of this report, please email: waterquality@phila.gov

People with special health concerns

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised persons, such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS and other immune system disorders, and some elderly people and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)/Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline: (800) 426-4791.

Images

JPG Photo & Video
Sahar Coston-Hardy
Philadelphia Water Department