Lead Service Line Replacement Reimbursement Program

We may reimburse up to 100% of the costs of a private lead line replacement

As part of Community Lead Response, we will assist customers with the cost of private lead service line replacement if customers choose to proactively hire a plumber and complete the work. We will verify your income and determine the level of reimbursement you qualify for. This program is available to anyone who has replaced their private lead service line since January 2019.

Reimbursement Chart

Click Here to View the Reimbursement Chart

Based on 2026 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines

 Household
     Size		          100%
Reimbursement		            75%
Reimbursement		           50%
Reimbursement		    $1,000
  Stipend
          1      <$47,880       $47,881
           to 
      $63,840		       $63,841
          to 
      $79,800		  >$79,801
          2      <$64,920       $64,921
           to 
      $86,560		       $86,561
           to 
     $108,200		 >$108,201
          3      <$81,960       $81,961
           to 
     $109,280		      $109,281
           to 
     $136,600		 >$136,601
          4      <$99,000      $99,001
           to  
     $132,000		      $132,001
           to 
     $165,000		 >$165,001
          5      <$116,040      $116,041
           to 
     $154,720		      $154,721
           to 
     $193,400		 >$193,401
          6      <$133,080      $133,081
           to 
     $177,440		      $177,441
           to 
     $221,800		 >$221,801
          7      <$150,120      $150,121
           to 
     $200,160		      $200,161
           to 
     $250,200		 >$250,201
         8      <$167,160      $167,161
           to 
     $222,880		      $222,881
           to 
     $278,600		 >$278,601
For each additional
household member, add:		      + $17,040      +$22,720      +$28,400 +$34,080

Process for Private Lead Service Line Reimbursement

  1. Contact the PGH2O Cares Team at 412-255-2457: PGH2O Cares will confirm your income to determine your reimbursement amount. If you do not wish to complete an income verification or know you will not qualify for reimbursement, you can still receive a $1,000 stipend.
  2. Hire a Plumber: You can choose from our list of participating plumbers, who have agreed to the program guidelines, making the process easier for you.
  3. Complete and Submit Estimate: Meet with your plumber so the plumber can complete an estimate form to submit to our Pittsburgh Water Lead Help staff. We will review the estimate and approve the eligible costs.
  4. Replace the Lead Service Line: Your plumber will complete the work and the Lead Help staff will provide you with flushing instructions, a pitcher filter, and a test kit for your water after construction.
  5. Complete and Submit Invoice: Your plumber will submit the final invoice to us. If the cost matches with the estimate, we will send a co-written check to you and your plumber for the reimbursement amount.
Typical service line layout Typical residential service line

As shown in the diagram, in a typical situation, the section of your water line that runs between the water main and the curb box is owned and maintained by Pittsburgh Water. The section between the curb box and the water meter belongs to you. In some instances, this example diagram may not be indicative of ownership. We will confirm your ownership responsibilities. 

Our Reimbursement Program will reimburse the costs of a privately-owned lead service line replacement. If your private plumber discovers a publicly-owned lead service line attached to the private line, they will coordinate with us to replace the public line at the same time.

General Policy Guidelines

Properties that go through the process must meet these general guidelines to be eligible for reimbursement:

  • Residential properties within our water service area, with no more than four (4) units and a private service line of 1-inch or less
  • Replacement of a private service line identified as lead or galvanized iron
  • Reimbursement determined by income of the Property Owner or Tenant
  • Replacement follows submission of plumber’s estimate, completed by you and your plumber prior to construction. You may not be reimbursed for work that is completed without an approved estimate.
  • We reserve the right to void authorizations if eligibility conditions for reimbursement have changed before an estimate is received for review. This includes the addition of the location to a planned project area.

Hiring a Private Plumber

After you hire a private plumber and confirm the material of your private service line, we will review the estimate and confirm the reimbursement amount. Once the work is complete, you will be issued a check, made out to you and your private plumber, for the reimbursement amount. If there are any remaining costs, you will be responsible to pay them.

List of participating plumbers

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please contact our Lead Help Desk at 412-255-8987 Monday through Friday between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. or email us at LeadReimbursement@pgh2o.com.