Lead Plumbing & Water Quality - Service line materials & map - Flush your pipes everyday

Oct 4, 2026

Lead Plumbing & Water Quality explains how plumbing and service lines can influence drinking water safety, emphasizing that corrosion can allow dissolved lead to enter water over time. It describes the role of corrosion control using zinc orthophosphate, highlights common household sources of exposure beyond water such as peeling paint and lead dust, and outlines city support including free water tests and a lead service line material map with update and reporting options. It also summarizes health risks of lead and clarifies that boiling water does not remove lead.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

How your plumbing can affect your water

Meet your service line

Health effects of lead

Service line materials & map

Service line materials

Service Line Material Map

Incomplete records

Flush your pipes everyday

Lead Plumbing & Water Quality How your plumbing can affect your water Meet your service line. The service line is the pipe that carries clean water into your property. It connects to the city’s network of water mains. Service lines can be made of materials, such as plastic or copper. But some of these pipes may also be made with lead or galvanized metal. Our treatment protects water against corrosion. “Corrosion” is when small amounts of metal dissolve from plumbing into water over time. It’s important to know that dissolved lead isnot visible. The good news? Our treatment keeps water safe to drink. We add Zinc Orthophosphate during treatment. This forms a protective coating inside pipes. It reduces risk of exposure to lead from plumbing. Service line with no corrosion control Service line with successful corrosion control We continuously test to make sure this process works. We’ve successfully used this treatment to protect Philadelphia’s drinking water for over 25 years. A city Curb stop water main (CITY PROPERTY) Water meter Lead can hide in older plumbing, including: • Pipes • Plumbing fixtures • Faucets • Solder & pipe fittings Look for lead beyond your plumbing: Peeling paint and lead dust are the most common sources of exposure within a home, not water. You can request a water test We conduct free water tests for customers with concerns about lead plumbing. [Visit](Visit water.phila.gov/lead-test or call)[ water.phila.gov/lead-test](Visit water.phila.gov/lead-test or call)[ or call](Visit water.phila.gov/lead-test or call) (215) 685-1460 Requests are processed as they are received. We’re experiencing an increase in requests. We appreciate your patience! Health effects of lead There is no safe level of exposure. Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have an increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney, or nervous system problems. 􀁨 Learn more about the health effects of lead: [www.epa.gov/lead](www.epa.gov/lead) Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health recommends parents and caregivers of young children (ages one to six) should request a blood lead test from their doctor. Boiling water does NOT remove lead! [Learn more:](Learn more: water.phila.gov/lead)[ water.phila.gov/lead](Learn more: water.phila.gov/lead) Ver al reverso en español 􀁨 page 2 10/2025 Translation available: Español 國語 Tiếng Việt Pусский 􀇫􀇳􀄣􀂡􀇓រ 廣東話 Português Italiano Français 한국인 (215) 685-6300 Lead Plumbing & Water Quality Service line materials & map Water service lines are generally made from these four materials Newer service lines are made of a non-lead material, like copper or plastic. Some older homes may have lead or galvanized metal in part of their service line. NON-LEAD: Plastic: Typically a less expensive option. It isnot associated with increased risk of lead. NON-LEAD: Copper: Copper service lines are considered safe because they are not associated with increased health risks. Today, copper is used in most service line replacements. Lead: Used in the past because it is soft and can be bent. Lead can dissolve into water. Lead service line installation decreased after the 1950sas harmful health effects became clear. Galvanized metal: Galvanized steel or iron pipes can corrode. Over decades, any lead from a property’s plumbing can accumulate on the corroded walls of galvanized pipes. Service Line Material Map Old lead service lines are a challenge across the country. To meet this challenge, cities need to understand the number and locati

FAQs

What is a service line and why does it matter for water quality?

A service line is the pipe that carries clean water into a property and connects to the city’s water mains. Its materials can influence whether lead may dissolve into water over time.

How does the city’s corrosion control help reduce lead exposure?

The process protects water against corrosion by adding zinc orthophosphate during treatment. This forms a protective coating inside pipes and reduces the risk of lead exposure from plumbing.

Does boiling water remove lead?

No. Boiling water does NOT remove lead.

Oct 4, 2026

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