Our latest Drinking Water Quality Report is now available online here and can also be requested in the mail by contacting us here.

Based on data collected by our Bureau of Laboratory Services throughout 2017, the annual report details test results showing that Philadelphia’s drinking water meets or is better than all state and federal water quality standards.

That's pretty important, considering approximately 1.6 million people like you access our water at the tap every single day.

To ensure people around the country can drink their local tap water with confidence, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires water utilities like ours to publish water quality testing results.

The report is produced by our team of experienced scientists and engineers, the very people who test Philly drinking water for nearly 100 compounds thousands of times each month.

A photo of a scientist in a white lab coat, rubber gloves, and safety glasses uses a machine to test a water sample.

“Thanks to continuous treatment, testing, and monitoring, the water that leaves our treatment plants is better than what is required by the EPA,” says Philadelphia Water Department Commissioner Debra McCarty. “This report explains what we look for, and what we found. Water is one of life’s essential resources, and we hope you take the time to look at all the information in the report.”

In addition to tables listing testing results, the 23-page report offers information about many topics, including:

  • Home plumbing maintenance and habits that can make water safer
  • Instructions to check for lead plumbing and programs that can help
  • An update on Green City, Clean Waters green infrastructure progress
  • Programs and operations that preserve and protect our drinking water sources—the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers

Getting and sharing the report

You can read and download copies of the report on our website. Copies can also be requested via mail by calling 215.685.6300 or by emailing waterquality@phila.gov.

Residents are encouraged to share the report with others, especially those who may not have received a notice directly, such as people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses. You can also help by posting a notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand and mail.