Philadelphia Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Good news for Philadelphia residents — your tap water meets all federal safety standards. At just 120 ppm (7 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 6 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Safe to Drink
Meets all EPA standards
7 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Moderate water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Philadelphia Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Philadelphia tap water meets all EPA health standards and is safe to drink.
- •No health-based violations in the past 3 years.
- •Lead levels are below the EPA action level.
- •6 monitoring/reporting violations (administrative, not health-related).
- •For complete peace of mind, consider testing your home's water—contaminants can enter through your plumbing.
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 1.6M people in the Philadelphia area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA.
How Hard is Philadelphia Water?
120 ppm
7 grains per gallon
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Minor dryness possible
Kitchen
Some water spots
Laundry
May need more detergent
Appliances
Minimal scale
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Based on 355 water samples from Philadelphia County.
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Philadelphia tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Philadelphia
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
2 ppb
Philadelphia lead levels are well within safe limits.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2022-09-30
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
EPA Compliance History
Active Violations
Administrative issues pendingCurrent violations are administrative or monitoring-related. Water quality is not immediately affected, but stay informed about utility updates.
3-Year Violation Summary
6
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
6
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Philadelphia's Water?
Utility Name
PHILADELPHIA WATER DEPARTMENT
EPA System ID (PWSID)
PA1510001
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
1.6M
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Philadelphia tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Pennsylvania
Pa Amer
Soft water
Aqua Pa Main System
Hard water
Pittsburgh
Moderate water
Erie City
Moderate water
York
Moderate water
West View
Moderate water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology