The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) can check to see if your water service line is made of lead or galvanized metal.
Confirming the material of service lines helps our efforts to share accurate information with homeowners and residents across Philadelphia.
This work is ongoing. Inspections will take place Mondays through Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and Fridays between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
What we’re doing
To help protect Philadelphians from lead and comply with new federal laws, we are working to identify all water service lines that might contain lead, and share that information with the public through our Service Line Material Map.
PWD contractors are visiting homes around Philadelphia to visually inspect the water service line where it enters the basement near the water meter.
PWD contractors are visiting homes around Philadelphia to visually inspect the water service line. To avoid digging, we can inspect and verify the service line material from a property’s basement near the water meter.
During this time, a PWD contractor may knock on your door asking to briefly enter your home to conduct the verification. Participation is voluntary, and it is okay to say “no” if you are uncomfortable allowing someone into your home.
Alternatively, you can schedule a time for this verification when it’s convenient for you.
What to expect
Contractors will have PWD identification badges and will be wearing PWD-branded attire.
They will need access to your water meter, which is typically in the basement. We ask that the meter is accessible, not blocked by furniture or storage.
They will visually check the water service line, take a picture of the service line, and may swab or scratch the outside of the service line to identify the pipe material. There will be no impact on your water service.
The entire identification process, including the swab test, is expected to take 5 to 10 minutes.
What happens after that?
If a lead service line is detected, we’ll provide follow-up information to the property owner and any residents who live there.
You can see the results from the material test online. It may take a few weeks to update our records with the results from the verification. Visit the Service Line Material Map →
Questions or Concerns?
Contact ServiceLineMap@phila.gov or call 215-685-6300.