PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Philadelphia Water Department has released a new online tool that allows residents to view specific records of what’s below their properties.
The new Service Line Materials Map shows records of existing water service line materials at properties all across the city.
The tool was mandated by new federal regulations under the Lead and Copper Rule, which requires improvements in preventing lead from contaminating drinking water.
Under the regulation, water providers must share service line records with the public, notify residents about these records, and replace any lead and galvanized service lines within 10 years, starting in 2027.
The map offers descriptions of plumbing materials that connect homes to the public water system and guidance on what residents should do.
PWD estimated about 5% of Philadelphia properties may have a lead service line.
“Lead does not come from City water sources, treatment, or mains that deliver drinking water. If lead is found in water, it comes from a property’s plumbing,” PWD explained in a press release. “One key source is a service line. This is the pipe that connects a property to a water main.”
PWD said the map is a key step in its efforts to “help customers remove lead service lines from their properties.”
For more information, visit water.phila.gov/service-line.