The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) offers free lead and copper tests to customers who are interested.
We keep water safe to drink. We treat drinking water to reduce corrosion. (Corrosion can allow small amounts of lead from plumbing to dissolve into water.)
We know this treatment works because we routinely test for lead at customer taps throughout Philadelphia. We test at all types of homes, including those with lead service lines. These tests show that our treatment is protecting drinking water from corrosion, helping reduce lead from plumbing getting into water.
Though our corrosion treatment is effective, we offer testing for lead and copper to homes that request this service. There is no cost to customers for the tests.
Please note:
This form is only to request a test for lead and copper at your home tap.
This is not a general water quality test. For other water quality concerns, such as taste and odor issues, please call (215) 685-6300.
This form is to request testing at homes only. If you are interested in lead water testing for a school, daycare, or childcare center, please visit our Schools & Childcares Lead Sampling Program.
What to expect
- You will receive a testing kit in the mail. The testing kit will include two bottles, instructions, information about lead plumbing and water quality, and a form for you to complete during testing.
- You’ll plan a day when you can fill the bottles after a stagnation period (when no water is used in your home for at least 6 hours). This is typically done first thing in the morning.
- After this stagnation period, you will fill the two bottles from the sample kit with cold water from your kitchen sink faucet.
- Once you’ve finished filling the bottles with cold water, you’ll call for pickup. We will pick up the bottles and analyze them at our lab.
- We’ll let you know what we find and if there are any actions you should take.
Request a testing kit
Please fill out the form below to request a testing kit.