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Philly Tap Water: What's Really in Your Glass?
30 Jul
Summary
- Philly's tap water meets federal standards despite some contaminants exceeding new limits.
- Lead levels are below EPA action levels, but some homes show measurable lead.
- PFAS levels exceed new federal limits, but compliance deadlines offer buffer time.
Philadelphia's tap water, detailed in the 2025 consumer confidence report, meets all federal standards for approximately 100 regulated contaminants. However, the report highlights specific areas requiring attention.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including PFOA and PFOS, are present. While Philly's reported levels of PFOA at 6.1 ppt and PFOS at 4.6 ppt exceed the new federal limit of 4 ppt, the city remains compliant. Compliance is not mandated until 2029, with a potential extension to 2031.
Lead, a concern due to leaching from pipes, shows 90% of sampled homes below the EPA's 15 ppb action level. However, some homes with lead service lines recorded lead levels up to 21 ppb. Disinfection byproducts like trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids are within federal limits, though individual samples have exceeded them.
For residents concerned about contaminants, certified carbon filters can reduce disinfection byproducts, PFOA, PFOS, and lead. For homes with lead service lines, running cold water for 3-5 minutes after prolonged inactivity is recommended. The Philadelphia Water Department offers free lead testing.
