Philadelphia successfully passed the most recent round of regulatory testing for lead at customers’ taps.
These are the results of testing for lead in drinking water in Philadelphia. Every three years, we collect water samples from taps in homes that have lead service lines. This is required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Lead & Copper Rule.
In addition to the required sampling, customers can request testing at their taps. Those tests are performed upon request and not required by law.
| Sampling Year | Homes Tested1 | Homes with lead levels below the action level of 15 ppb2 | Homes with lead levels above the action level of 15 ppb2 | 90% of tested homes3 were less than: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 June to September | 106 | 105 homes (99.1%) | 1 home (0.9%) | 2 ppb |
| 2022 June to September | 104 | 101 homes (97.1%) | 3 homes (2.9%) | 2 ppb |
| 2019 June to September | 99 | 97 homes (98.0%) | 2 homes (2.0%) | 3 ppb |
| 2017 June to September | 89 | 86 homes (96.6%) | 3 homes (3.3%) | 2 ppb |
| 2014 June to September | 134 | 127 homes (94.8%) | 7 homes (5.2%) | 5 ppb |
| 2011 June to September | 92 | 90 homes (97.8%) | 2 homes (2.2%) | 6 ppb |
| 2008 June to September | 97 | 94 homes (96.9%) | 3 homes (3.1%) | 6 ppb |
| 2005 June to September | 107 | 98 homes (91.6%) | 9 homes (8.4%) | 9 ppb |
| 2002 June to September | 63 | 57 homes (90.5%) | 6 homes (9.5%) | 13 ppb |
| 1999 June to September | 59 | 55 homes (93.2%) | 4 homes (6.8%) | 9 ppb |
- 1 According to the Lead and Copper Rule, the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) was required to test in 50 high-risk homes in 1998–2025. PWD tested for lead in more homes than required under the Lead and Copper Rule.
- 2 ppb = parts per billion
- 3 EPA’s action level for representative sampling of customers’ homes: 90% of homes must test less than 15 ppb.
What were the results?
We collected samples from 106 homes with lead service lines between June and September 2025.
In 99% of these homes, lead levels were below 15 parts per billion (ppb).
Our water quality continues to meet or be better than all State and Federal standards.
What do the results tell us?
The results consistently show us that our corrosion control treatment is working.
We add Zinc Orthophosphate during treatment. This forms a protective coating inside pipes. It reduces risk of exposure to lead from plumbing. We collect these samples to make sure the Zinc Orthophosphate is effective!
Why do you test water for lead in homes instead of at treatment plants?
In Philadelphia, lead does not come from our water sources, treatment, or mains that deliver drinking water. If lead is found in water, it comes from a property’s plumbing.
Utilities like PWD are required to collect samples from homes that have lead service lines.
How long has PWD been doing this?
We’ve successfully used this treatment to protect Philadelphia’s drinking water for over 25 years.
Our sampling results show that corrosion control has improved over the years.
Learn more about lead
Explore the City of Philadelphia Lead Guide to learn the dangers of lead, where lead is commonly found, and useful recommendations for keeping your home safe.
Learn more about lead plumbing
Read tips for reducing lead exposure from plumbing and about other PWD initiatives and programs.