Many old water lines throughout Pittsburgh may be made of lead. Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can lead to new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems.

Pittsburgh Water created the Lead Help Desk, a Customer Service subdivision dedicated to assisting customers through every step of the lead service line replacement process. The team manages agreements, verifies service line materials, follows up with unresponsive customers, coordinates appointments, and answers lead-related questions, providing a level of personal support uncommon for a public utility. 

The Lead Help team also includes Field Liaisons, field staff who serve as both Pittsburgh Water representatives and customer advocates. Working closely with the contractors performing the work, they meet with every homeowner, explain the process, and remain available to address questions or concerns.

Lead Line Map

The map below displays the best available information on the location of lead service lines in our water system. The information on the map comes from a combination of historical property data, construction records and results from curb box inspections.  The map also shows where we have already replaced lead lines and where we plan to replace lead lines.

The portion of the water service line that is public and owned by us runs from the water main in the street to the “curb box” (water service shutoff valves, usually located in the sidewalk between the water main and the building). The remainder of the line that connects from the curb stop to the building is considered private property.

Disclaimer: The maps provided by the Pittsburgh Water are based on historical data, service line inspections or both. Pittsburgh Water does not guarantee the accuracy of these records and maps, which shall be used for the sole purpose of providing property owners and residents with the best available data regarding lead service lines, and not for any commercial, legal or other use. These records will be updated as we gather additional information. We reserve the right to alter, amend or terminate at any time the display of these maps and records. If you think the information we have for your service line is incorrect, please fill our our brief survey.