The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) is conducting a tap water lead testing program and is seeking participants.

The program will run from July to December 2016, in advance of PWD’s regular water testing for lead under EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule, which is scheduled for 2017.

The 2016 lead testing program will check a minimum of 50 homes from what is categorized as Tier 1 (homes considered more likely to have lead in the plumbing). PWD is making efforts to increase the number of sampling sites to provide more data for assessment under this program, and residents interested in learning more about PWD’s programs should go to www.phila.gov/water/lead for additional information. 

Participants in the program will have their plumbing inspected to confirm the existence of a lead service line. Participants will also receive information regarding the results of the water samples taken from their taps. Participants whose results show a lead level above 15 parts per billion (ppb) will be offered follow up sampling to assist with identifying the potential sources of lead in their properties.

FYI, PWD offers free lead sampling to customers throughout the year. Information regarding PWD’s lead programs and public education and engagement on lead can be found here.