Lead Service Line Replacement Program
Lehigh County Authority is Working to Get Lead Out of the Water System!
Contractors Helping LCA With This Project
LCA has contracted with several companies to assist with this large-scale project to remove lead from the system: MORE INFO.
Removing lead pipes is an important public health project, and we hope you will help! Lead is not naturally found in our water supplies but can get into your drinking water if you have lead pipes or pipes made of galvanized material located downstream from lead, or if you have lead solder joints in your home.
We need your help!
You play an important role in removing lead from the water system. Watch this video from the EPA to learn more about how you can support our efforts.
Searchable Service Line Inventory Map
The LCA searchable inventory map provides customers with information about the water service line pipes serving their home or business. Click on the map image below to open it. Next, follow the instructions on the map or below it to search for your property and learn more about your water service line.
*Be sure to view the list of Map Classifications & Customer Action Needed below.
Click on the image of the map to open it, then follow these instructions:
– Use the looking glass icon in the top right corner to open the search window
– Type in a property address to view details
– Click on the symbol shown
– Confirm the correct address is showing in the details page
– View the details about the lead category and pipe material for the property selected
There are four classifications possible for the lead category shown on the property details.
The list below defines the actions you should take based on the category.
- Non-lead: Service lines classified as non-lead may be made of copper, PVC, or galvanized material that does not require replacement. No action is needed.
- Lead: Your pipe is made of lead and needs to be replaced. Download our tip sheet to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. Follow these steps until replacement.
- Galvanized Requiring Replacement: Your pipe is made of galvanized iron or steel and needs to be replaced. Download our tip sheet to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. Follow these steps until replacement.
- Unknown – Customer Side: LCA does not have a record of your pipe material. Inspection is necessary to verify. Assume the pipe is lead until it is confirmed otherwise.
Schedule an LCA inspection of the pipes.
Download our tip sheet to reduce lead in drinking water. Follow these steps until replacement.
LCA will notify you when there is a water pipe replacement project in your neighborhood.
Unknown Utility Side: LCA is actively working to identify utility-owned
water pipe materials. If replacement is required, LCA will notify you when there is a water pipe replacement project in your neighborhood.
*NOTE – If the utility side of the service line is lead and the customer side is non-lead,it will show as lead on the map. Only one symbol shows on the map for each property. Click on the symbol to open the details and view information for both sides of the service line.
What is lead, and where does lead in drinking water come from?
Learn about lead in drinking water.
When it comes to service line pipes, maintenance, and repairs, who owns what?
Customers often ask who owns the water service line pipe and who is responsible for maintenance and repairs. There are two parts to the water service line, separated by a curb box or valve, usually found near the curb or in the sidewalk. The graphic above shows who owns what:
Private side: The property owner owns the pipe that runs from the curb into the home.
Public side: LCA owns the pipe that runs from the water main to the curb.
Service Line Inspections
Customers are notified when inspections are being conducted in their neighborhood.
Notices are made to properties by mail, door hangers, and phone calls. Customers should read all of the information provided and contact LCA with questions.
Schedule a service line inspection
Use our online tool to select an appointment that works for you.
Programe una cita para la inspección de material de tubería
Our Inspection Teams
Our team of inspectors wears blue vests with the LCA logo and carries photo ID badges, which you may ask to inspect. See the image below for an example.
Understanding Service Line Replacement & Construction
Read about Service Line Replacement
Have Your Water Tested for Lead
Customers can have their water tested for lead by any certified laboratory.
LCA Testing for Lead
Currently, LCA tests for lead in tap water every three years at 50 representative taps of vulnerable homes in the City of Allentown and at more than 150 homes across all of our service areas in Lehigh and Northampton counties. We do this according to the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule. The testing results are used to determine if our water continues to be non-corrosive so that water has minimum potential for lead to leach from plumbing materials. So far, our test results show that the non-corrosive properties of LCA’s water are working to keep lead levels to a minimum.
View the latest results from LCA’s water systems
If you have questions:
Contact us by phone or email leadfree@lehighcountyauthority.org if you have questions about your service line or the communications you have received from LCA. We’re happy to help!