Philadelphia Water Department
EPA ID: PA1510001 · 1,600,000 people served · 113 ZIP codes
Federal data shows 1 unresolved violation at Philadelphia Water Department — roughly 1,600,000 residents in the service area.
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02
Compliance Trajectory
Stable · Risk tier: High · 95% chance of violation in next 12 months
Violations went from 5 (2022) to 3 (2025). Violation counts have remained relatively steady.
Service Area Map
Coverage area for Philadelphia Water Department Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.
Service area boundary — Grade A
Service Area Demographics
The Philadelphia Water Department serves a community with a median household income of $70,385 and an estimated 1,942,977 residents across its service area. Approximately 87% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.
Environmental Justice Note: 50% of the population in this service area is classified as disadvantaged under EPA's EJScreen criteria. Communities with higher disadvantaged populations often face disproportionate environmental and health burdens, including aging water infrastructure and limited resources for remediation.
🌊 Where Does Your Water Come From?
Philadelphia Water Department's water is drawn from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Surface water sources are more exposed to agricultural runoff, stormwater, and upstream discharges, but they typically receive more intensive treatment before reaching your tap.
About 1% of homes in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.
Superfund Proximity Note: This service area ranks in the 81th percentile nationally for proximity to Superfund (NPL) sites.
Infrastructure Risk
Detected Contaminants
How Philadelphia Water Department compares to EPA limits
What This Means For You
Fecal Coliform at 4 presence exceeds the EPA maximum of presence.
PFAS Detected in Service Area
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water serving this system's area. 611 detections recorded. 173 exceed federal EPA limits (4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS). 1 exceeds state limits.
Comparable Water Systems
Similar-sized systems in Pennsylvania
Estimated Remediation Costs
Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system
Based on national averages for common remediation projects. Actual costs vary by property. Only issues flagged by EPA, FEMA, or state data for each ZIP code are included.
System Overview
PHILADELPHIA WATER DEPARTMENT (EPA ID: PA1510001) is a community water system in Pennsylvania that serves approximately 1,600,000 people from surface water sources.
This system provides water to 113 ZIP codes across 26 communities.
Average Home Safety Score: A (91/100)
Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.
Violation History
Recent Violations
| Date | Contaminant | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 1, 2025 | Fecal Coliform | Monitoring | Unresolved |
| December 1, 2024 | Fecal Coliform | Monitoring | Resolved |
| June 1, 2023 | Fecal Coliform | Monitoring | Resolved |
Contaminants Detected
The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | 4 | No |
Lead & Copper
EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:
| ZIP Code | Lead Level | Exceeds Limit | Sample Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19019 | 0.002 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 19092 | 0.002 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 19093 | 0.002 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 19099 | 0.002 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 19101 | 0.002 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 19102 | 0.002 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 19103 | 0.002 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 19104 | 0.002 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 19105 | 0.002 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 19106 | 0.002 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 19107 | 0.002 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 19108 | 0.002 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 19109 | 0.002 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 19110 | 0.002 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 19111 | 0.002 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 19112 | 0.002 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 19114 | 0.002 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 19115 | 0.002 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 19116 | 0.002 mg/L | No | N/A |
| 19118 | 0.002 mg/L | No | N/A |
Radon Risk in Service Area
Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Need help with your water quality?
Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400
Find the Right Water FilterFree tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.
ZIP Codes Served
Coverage: 48 ZIP codes confirmed via EPA Community Water System Service Area Boundaries v3 plus 65 additional ZIPs inferred from SDWIS registry data. The EPA-confirmed set is the most reliable; SDWIS-inferred entries may be narrower than the real deployment area.
This system serves 113 ZIP codes:
19004 · 19006 · 19009 · 19012 · 19018 19019 · 19020 · 19023 · 19027 · 19029 19032 · 19033 · 19036 · 19043 · 19050 19066 · 19070 · 19072 · 19074 · 19076 19078 · 19079 · 19082 · 19092 · 19093 19095 · 19096 · 19098 · 19099 · 19101 19102 · 19103 · 19104 · 19105 · 19106 19107 · 19108 · 19109 · 19110 · 19111 19112 · 19113 · 19114 · 19115 · 19116 19118 · 19119 · 19120 · 19121 · 19122 19123 · 19124 · 19125 · 19126 · 19127 19128 · 19129 · 19130 · 19131 · 19132 19133 · 19134 · 19135 · 19136 · 19137 19138 · 19139 · 19140 · 19141 · 19142 19143 · 19144 · 19145 · 19146 · 19147 19148 · 19149 · 19150 · 19151 · 19152 19153 · 19154 · 19155 · 19160 · 19161 19162 · 19170 · 19171 · 19172 · 19173 19175 · 19176 · 19177 · 19178 · 19179 19181 · 19182 · 19183 · 19184 · 19185 19187 · 19188 · 19190 · 19191 · 19192 19193 · 19194 · 19195 · 19196 · 19197 19244 · 19255 · 19444
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Philadelphia Water Department (PA1510001) on EPA.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia Water Department water safe to drink?
Philadelphia Water Department has only monitoring/reporting violations, which are procedural in nature. The system meets federal health-based standards.
How many people does Philadelphia Water Department serve?
Philadelphia Water Department serves approximately 1,600,000 people across 113 ZIP codes in Pennsylvania.
Where does Philadelphia Water Department get its water?
The primary water source is surface water.
Contact Your Water Utility
Public-record contact information for the water utility serving this system. Use these channels to request water quality reports, ask about service, or report issues directly.
Contact information from Philadelphia Water Department Consumer Confidence Report.
ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility, does not act as its agent, and does not provide customer support for it. Contact details shown are public-record information from CCR filings. For service issues, contact the utility directly using the information above.
Water Source & Treatment
Where this water originates and how it's treated before reaching your tap.
Source: Philadelphia Water Department Consumer Confidence Report.
ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. Treatment and source data are sourced from the utility's published CCR filings.
We monitor waterways across the watershed and look for potential sources of contamination. We keep track of water availability and flow. Our wide range of tools for protecting water sources includes research, projects in the field, and partnerships.
Treatment regime
How this utility classifies its treatment process and what each reported treatment chemical does.
Treatment chemicals and what each one does
Chemical names are reported verbatim by the utility. Purpose categories are ZipCheckup annotations based on standard drinking-water treatment practice.
Watershed exposure sources reported
Land-use and natural conditions identified in the utility's source-water assessment as potential contamination sources upstream of treatment.
Treatment classification and chemical list sourced from Philadelphia Water Department Consumer Confidence Report.
Treatment intensity is a ZipCheckup-derived classification based on the chemicals and processes the utility reports. Chemicals and contamination sources are taken verbatim from the utility's CCR filing. Routine federal monitoring and contaminant testing shown elsewhere on this page determine whether the water meets safety standards, not the treatment classification.
Federal UCMR5 PFAS Monitoring: Detected
This water system was tested under the federal EPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5). PFAS compounds were detected below the current state-enforceable MCL.
Current MCL reflects the lowest state-enforceable limit (NYS 10 ppt for PFOA/PFOS, effective August 2020). The federal final MCL of 4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS (EPA April 2024 rule) is not enforceable until April 2029. Detections above 4 ppt but below 10 ppt are below current MCL but above the future federal limit.
Source: U.S. EPA UCMR5 (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 5th cycle) — per-system federal sampling, 2023–2025. EPA UCMR5 monitoring program →
PFAS Substances Detected in This System
This water system's Consumer Confidence Report disclosed the following PFAS compounds. Levels are from the utility's most recent reporting cycle.
In April 2024, EPA finalized the first National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six PFAS. Public water systems have until 2029 to comply. EPA — PFAS regulation overview →
Source: Consumer Confidence Report disclosed by Philadelphia Water Department.
ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. PFAS detection data is sourced from public Consumer Confidence Reports filed by the utility itself.
We offer a zero-interest loan for replacing lead or galvanized metal service lines. The Homeowners Emergency Loan Program (HELP) can cover the cost of a replacement. PWD will replace lead service lines for free if they are discovered during planned work on water mains.
Lead Service Line Replacement Tracker
This water utility's lead service line (LSL) replacement program is tracked from public Consumer Confidence Report filings. Email signup notifies subscribers when the utility files an updated replacement plan or progress milestone.
Philadelphia Water Department
ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. LSL replacement-program data is sourced from public CCR filings published by the utility. Subscription notifications are based on automated parsing of subsequent CCR releases.
Learn more about Lead and Copper Rule replacement requirements →
Lead Service Line Inventory
Service line breakdown reported under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) inventory requirement:
Federal LCRI rule (effective October 2024) requires every public water system to inventory its service lines and complete lead-line replacement within 10 years.
Source: EPA SDWIS Federal Service Line Inventory (Phase 2) · Submitted 2026
ZipCheckup is not affiliated with the utility or state agency. Inventory figures render verbatim from the public LCRI submission cited above; ZipCheckup does not perform inspections or replacements.
Aesthetic water quality
These measurements describe the look, taste, and feel of the water this utility delivers. They are not contaminant violations — they sit alongside federal Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels (SMCLs) which the EPA publishes as non-enforceable guidance.
Aesthetic measurements from Philadelphia Water Department Consumer Confidence Report.
Aesthetic measurements are reported by the utility from its annual sampling. EPA Secondary MCLs are advisory thresholds — values outside them indicate aesthetic concerns such as taste or appearance, not health violations. Federal contaminant testing is shown in the sections above.
Hard water detected in Philadelphia Water Department
Your utility reported water hardness of 152 ppm CaCO₃ (9 grains per gallon) in its most recent Consumer Confidence Report. This is in the moderately hard range and may cause scale buildup, reduced appliance lifespan, and dry skin or hair.
There are three common approaches to treating hard water: salt-based ion-exchange softeners (most effective, require salt refills), salt-free conditioners (lower maintenance, scale prevention only), and reverse osmosis at the kitchen sink (cooking and drinking water only). Aquasana, EcoWater, Pelican, and SpringWell are among the major US brands.
Paid Partner. ZipCheckup earns commission on Aquasana purchases. We do not test water or verify product effectiveness for specific hardness levels — manufacturer claims are theirs alone. Consult a certified water-quality professional for personalized advice.
Hardness data parsed from this utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report. Severity bands per USGS hard water classification.
Notable events and violations
This section summarizes events the utility chose to disclose in its most recent Consumer Confidence Report, plus any federal compliance violations the utility recorded against itself. Both lists are utility-authored — ZipCheckup does not audit, judge, or reorder them.
Federal compliance violations on record
These entries are taken verbatim from the utility's CCR violations section. EPA defines four broad violation categories: Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), Treatment Technique (TT), Monitoring & Reporting (M&R), and Public Notification (PN).
-
monitoring · Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)2025-02
PWD failed to properly collect samples for TTHM at six of sixteen monitoring locations.
-
reporting · Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)2024-03
Monthly TTHM results from March 2024 were reported later than required.
-
reporting · Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)2024-07
Quarterly VOC results from July 2024 were reported later than required.
Violations record from Philadelphia Water Department Consumer Confidence Report.
Notable events from the utility's CCR
These bullet entries are the utility's own narration of operational, regulatory, or infrastructure events during the reporting period.
- Trichloroacetic Acid (TCAA) Health Advisory Level (HAL) exceedance in Q2 2024 in Northwest Philadelphia.
- Monitoring Violation for Total Trihalomethane (TTHMs) in Q1 2025 due to improper sample collection at six locations.
ZipCheckup note: items above reflect what the utility published in its most recent CCR. Federal violation records are also tracked separately by the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) — the SDWIS record is the authoritative federal source for any specific regulatory action.
How Water Systems Appear in Rankings
Water systems are evaluated by violation history, contaminant detections, and service population. Larger systems with more service connections appear in more rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What You Can Do
Test your water
Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →
Check your specific ZIP code
Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →
Contact your utility
Philadelphia Water Department (EPA ID: PA1510001) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.