Moving to Philadelphia, PA? What to Know About the Water
Water quality essentials for anyone relocating to Philadelphia.
Water Hardness: 100 PPM (moderately hard)
Philadelphia has moderately hard water at 100 PPM. Good news: you probably will not need a water softener. Focus on a simple carbon filter if you want to improve taste.
Contaminants to Know About
PFAS: Philadelphia has PFAS at 45.03 ppt, above the EPA limit of 4 ppt. These "forever chemicals" do not break down in your body. If you are pregnant, have young children, or plan to live here long-term, a reverse osmosis system or NSF P473-certified filter for your kitchen tap is a worthwhile investment ($200-$500). Learn about PFAS.
Lead: Average lead levels of 5.8 ppb are elevated. This is especially relevant if your new home was built before 1986, when lead solder was standard in plumbing. Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking after the water has been sitting in pipes (first thing in the morning, after work). A certified point-of-use filter at the kitchen tap ($50-$200) provides reliable protection. Learn about lead.
Chlorine is present at 1.5 mg/L. This is within the normal range and most people will not notice it. Philadelphia Water is your water provider.
First-Week Water Checklist
Flush the pipes: Run every faucet (hot and cold) for 5 minutes after moving in. Water has been sitting in the pipes during the vacancy, and lead/copper levels are highest in stagnant water.
Check the water heater: Note its age (labeled on the unit). Set temperature to 120°F.
Inspect fixtures: Look for existing scale buildup on faucets and shower heads. Heavy white deposits indicate the previous owners did not have a softener - and your plumbing may already have internal scale.
Request the CCR: Contact Philadelphia Water for the latest Consumer Confidence Report, which provides neighborhood-level water quality data.
Test your tap: A $15-$25 home test kit confirms whether your specific tap matches city averages. Worth doing if the home has older plumbing.
What to Budget for Water Treatment
Basic filtration: A carbon pitcher filter ($20-$40) or under-sink filter ($50-$200) is likely all you need for improved taste.
Priority 2: PFAS filter. Under-sink reverse osmosis ($200-$500) for drinking and cooking water. Non-negotiable if you have kids or plan to start a family.
Nice to have: Shower filter. $30-$40. Noticeable improvement in skin and hair dryness within the first week. Easy to install, easy to justify.
Not sure where to start? Take the quiz - it factors in your budget, household size, and whether you rent or own.