Safe
Pennsylvania, United States
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Last reviewed:
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Philadelphia?
Yes, tap water in Philadelphia is safe to drink. It meets all EPA standards and comes from one of the oldest continuously operating municipal water systems in the country, dating to 1801.
Hardness
Moderate
pH
7.2–7.8
TDS
ranges 100–180 ppm
EPA Status
Compliant
Soft
Moderate
Hard
Very Hard
Water Source
The Philadelphia Water Department draws from the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, treating water at three filtration plants before distribution.
EPA Compliance Status
Meets all federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
Notable Contaminants & Context
- •Disinfection byproducts from river-sourced water are monitored and kept within EPA limits
- •Some older rowhome neighborhoods have legacy lead service lines; the city runs an active replacement and free-testing program
How It Compares
Philadelphia's river-sourced supply requires more intensive treatment than lake- or reservoir-fed systems, but the finished water consistently meets federal standards.
Tips
- •The Philadelphia Water Department publishes an annual public water quality report online
- •Free lead test kits are available for residents in older rowhomes
- •Running the tap briefly clears standing water in older buildings
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & References
The safety rating and guidance on this page draw on the following sources. See our full methodology.
- •US EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations
- •EWG Tap Water Database
- •The utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
- •WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality