Philadelphia Tap Water
Water provider: Philadelphia Water Department (Philadelphia, PA)
Our recommendation
Premium filter strongly recommended
Your water has contaminants that require stronger filtration (heavy metals, PFAS, or limits exceeded). Reverse osmosis is the recommended tier.
See recommended water filters →What is in the water
Lead
DetectedA heavy metal that leaches from older plumbing. No safe exposure level for children. Linked to developmental and cognitive harm.
Reported: below action level; older homes at risk
Trihalomethanes (THMs)
DetectedDisinfection byproducts formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter. Long-term exposure linked to cancer risk.
Reported: ~35 ppb
PFAS (forever chemicals)
DetectedPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Bioaccumulate in the body. Linked to cancer, immune effects, and hormone disruption.
Reported: PFOA/PFOS detected at low levels
Source
Data from the Philadelphia Water Quality Report (2023). Last reviewed 2024-11-01.
Note: Contaminant levels vary by address (older plumbing can leach lead even when the source water does not), sampling location, and time of year. The figures above reflect utility-wide averages from the most recent public report. If you have specific health concerns, request a full report from your utility or test your own tap water.