What do the Service Line Material Letters and Map mean for you?: The story of crafting and sharing lead plumbing communications in Philadelphia
January 5, 2026
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Grace Maiorano & Rick Orlosky
In December, you may have received a letter from us, sharing information about the material of your property’s water service line. Though our tap water remains safe to drink, it may feel confusing – and even alarming – to receive this notification in the mail. Here’s the story behind these federally required communications.
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Introducing our new Service Line Map: Sharing records of water service line materials for properties in Philadelphia
October 24, 2024
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PWD Public Affairs
The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) has just launched a new online map showing our records of water service line materials for every property in Philadelphia. While this new map is mandated by federal law, we are working to make this new tool as useful as possible for our customers. The new laws apply to every […]
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Do you Have an Estimated Reading or Zero Usage? Check Your Water Bill Now!: Avoid getting a big bill for past water use by checking the usage on your bill.
September 8, 2022
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Brian Rademaekers
Check your bill now to make sure you aren’t getting a meter read that doesn’t reflect your monthly use.
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It’s Cold Out. You Have No Water. Now What?: How to tell: main break vs. service line leak vs. frozen pipes
January 27, 2022
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Brian Rademaekers
Since cold weather can impact both public water mains and privately owned plumbing, customers often aren’t sure what to do when there’s no water. Here are a few tips if that happens to you
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‘@PhillyH2O at Home: TP vs. Wipes!: Try this experiment to see why wipes don’t flush.
April 30, 2020
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Dottie Baumgarten
PWD educator Dottie Baumgarten shows what makes toilet paper the only thing to flush.
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Customers: Flushing Wipes Could Cost You, Damage Infrastructure: Flushing anything but toilet paper could mean pricey plumber visit.
April 14, 2020
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Brian Rademaekers
A surge in wipes could be bad news for residents trying to avoid big expenses like major plumbing repairs.
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Customer Service Week: Here to Help with 24/7 Support: Highlighting PWD Customer Service Workers and Utility Fair
October 7, 2019
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Public Affairs
Join us during National Customer Service Week (Oct. 7-11) as we highlight the work of PWD customer service employees who interact with City residents daily and provide tips for getting help.
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New Shutoff Policy: Don’t Lose Water this Spring!
March 8, 2019
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Public Affairs
Do you have unpaid water bills that piled up over the winter? There are some important things you need to know. Don’t risk losing water at your home and having to deal with all the headaches and fees that will bring. The best way to avoid a shutoff is simple: get in touch with us!
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#PHLSnow Tips to Get You Through Winter: Don’t let snow slow response to water and fire emergencies!
January 16, 2019
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Public Affairs
While we’re usually busy dealing with that wetter form of snow (rain!), the white stuff comes with a special set of challenges and risks—for Philadelphia Water Department infrastructure, our crews out on the streets, and for our customers.
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Crews Now in Winter Mode for Emergency Repairs: What you need to know + protecting your home
December 14, 2018
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Public Affairs
We ramped up our response to cold-weather main breaks. Property owners can prep for a deep freeze too by protecting their plumbing and learning how to spot frozen pipes vs. main breaks.
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