Bethlehem, PA · Lead

Is There Lead in Bethlehem Tap Water?

Lead was not detected in Bethlehem’s latest sampling.The 90th-percentile result was below the lab’s reporting limit. City of Bethlehem reported 777 galvanized service lines in EPA’s inventory (2026Q2). That describes sampled homes, not every tap; home plumbing can still add lead.
  • CITY OF BETHLEHEM · PWSID PA3480046
  • Purity Score 92 · Excellent
  • Confidence: high
Lead service lines in Bethlehem
0lead lines of 37,089 in EPA’s inventory (2026Q2)
  • Lead0
  • Galvanized, to replace777
  • Unknown material29,933
  • Not lead6,379
How Bethlehem compares
2,738 cities have a detected lead value

What this means: Bethlehem's lead result was below the lab's reporting limit, so it is not plotted. 777 galvanized service lines to replace are on record, so a tap test is the way to know your home.

City water is not your tap

Plumbing inside a home can add lead the record can’t show.

The city report tells you about the water system. A tap test tells you about your household.

How to test your tap
  1. Surface waterSource
  2. TreatmentIn the record
  3. Distribution systemSampled
  4. Service lineNot in the record
  5. Building plumbingNot in the record
  6. Your tapOnly a tap test
In order of priority

What can you do about lead?

  1. Test your tapThe highest-value step. A first-draw sample shows what reaches your glass.Choose a test →Identify your plumbingAsk the utility about your service line; check for lead solder or old brass fixtures.Ask your utility →
  2. Reduce exposureIf testing shows lead, use a filter certified for lead at the tap you drink from.Treatment options →Replace the sourceReplace a lead service line or suspect plumbing. Many utilities share the cost.Find local help →

Lead service lines

Ask your utility first

City of Bethlehem reported 777 galvanized service lines to replace in EPA’s inventory (2026Q2). Many utilities replace these lines for free or share the cost. Ask City of Bethlehem whether your home’s line is on its list before you pay anyone.

Local help

Think your plumbing may be adding lead?

Call to be connected with a local plumbing provider about lead service lines, repiping or fixture replacement.

Commercial · test your own tapWe may earn a commission

City data tells you what’s happening across the system. Your tap tells you what’s happening in your home.

Test kits for lead in Bethlehem, compared
TestLeadOther contaminantsResultUseful for
ETR Labs Basic Water Quality Test Kit✓50+ substances, including lead, copper, arsenic, nitrate, hardness and coliform bacteriaLab numberA number you can act on
Safe Home DIY Lead in Drinking Water Combo Test Kit✓None listedScreening, not lab-gradeA quick first check
  • Lab-certified results

    ETR Labs Basic Water Quality Test Kit

    ETR Laboratories

    50+ substances, including lead, copper, arsenic, nitrate, hardness and coliform bacteria

    What it can't tell you: It does not test PFAS, and not every result on the panel falls under the lab's accredited scope.

  • Screening: quick check, not lab-grade

    Safe Home DIY Lead in Drinking Water Combo Test Kit

    Safe Home (EnviroTestKits)

    Lead, read as one of three ranges: 0–4, 5–15 or 15+ ppb

    • Turnaround: 5 minutes

    What it can't tell you: It shows a lead range, not an exact level, and tests nothing else unless you pay extra for the optional lab test.

Commercial · treatment for galvanized service lines on record

Treatment options for lead in Bethlehem

We may earn a commission
  1. Lead
  2. Exposure pathway
  3. Treatment technology
  4. Certification
  5. Product
Contaminant
Lead
Detected
Not detected
Benchmark
15 µg/L action level
Household concern
Plumbing-dependent
Matching technologyLead-certified point-of-use filtration

Why: designed to reduce lead at the drinking-water tap, after the water has passed through the service line and building plumbing.

  • NSF/ANSI 53 · carbon
  • NSF/ANSI 58 · reverse osmosis

★ Best choice: Brita Elite Water Filter Pitcher, certified for lead.

Filters for lead: Bethlehem has galvanized service lines on record
PickProductDetails and priceCertificationWhy it’s listedLink
★ Best choicePitcherBrita Elite Water Filter PitcherBritaTreatsleadPrice$Certified for Lead (NSF/ANSI 53, WQA)Why it’s listed: its current certification names lead; Bethlehem’s record lists galvanized service lines.See the evidenceCheck price on Amazon
Also goodUnder-sinkAquasana Claryum 3-Stage Max Flow Under-Sink Filter (AQ-6300M)AquasanaTreatsleadPrice$$Certified for Lead (NSF/ANSI 53, WQA)Why it’s listed: its current certification names lead; Bethlehem’s record lists galvanized service lines.See the evidenceCheck price at Aquasana
Also goodCountertopAquasana Clean Water Machine Countertop Filter (AQ-CWM2)AquasanaTreatsleadPrice$$Certified for Lead (NSF/ANSI 53, WQA)Why it’s listed: its current certification names lead; Bethlehem’s record lists galvanized service lines.See the evidenceCheck price at Aquasana
See all 16 drinking-water options for lead
More drinking-water options for lead
PickProductDetails and priceCertificationWhy it’s listedLink
Also goodReverse osmosisSmartFlow® Reverse OsmosisAquasana · Treats only drinking water at its own faucet, not showers or the rest of the house.TreatsleadTechnologyReverse osmosisPrice$$$Certified for lead (WQA)Why it’s listed: its current certification names lead; Bethlehem’s record lists galvanized service lines.See the evidenceCheck price at Aquasana
Also goodUnder-sinkWaterdrop G3P600 Tankless Reverse-Osmosis SystemWaterdropTreatsleadPrice$$$Certified for Lead (NSF/ANSI 58-2024, IAPMO)Why it’s listed: its current certification names lead; Bethlehem’s record lists galvanized service lines.See the evidenceCheck price at Waterdrop
Also goodUnder-sinkWaterdrop G3P800 Tankless Reverse-Osmosis SystemWaterdropTreatsleadPrice$$$Certified for Lead (NSF/ANSI 58-2024, IAPMO)Why it’s listed: its current certification names lead; Bethlehem’s record lists galvanized service lines.See the evidenceCheck price at Waterdrop
Also goodCountertopAquaTru Carafe Countertop Reverse-Osmosis Purifier (AT100)AquaTruTreatsleadPrice$$$Certified for Lead (NSF/ANSI 58, IAPMO)Why it’s listed: its current certification names lead; Bethlehem’s record lists galvanized service lines.See the evidenceCheck price on Amazon
Also goodCountertopAquaTru Classic Countertop Reverse-Osmosis Purifier (AT2000)AquaTruTreatsleadPrice$$$Certified for Lead (NSF/ANSI 58, IAPMO)Why it’s listed: its current certification names lead; Bethlehem’s record lists galvanized service lines.See the evidenceCheck price on Amazon
Also goodUnder-sinkAquasana Claryum 2-Stage Under-Sink Filter (AQ-5200)AquasanaTreatsleadPrice$$Certified for Lead (NSF/ANSI 53, WQA)Why it’s listed: its current certification names lead; Bethlehem’s record lists galvanized service lines.See the evidenceCheck price on Amazon
Also goodPitcherCulligan ZeroWater 10-Cup Pitcher (ZEROP10)Culligan ZeroWaterTreatsleadPrice$Certified for Lead (NSF/ANSI 53, IAPMO)Why it’s listed: its current certification names lead; Bethlehem’s record lists galvanized service lines.See the evidenceCheck price on Amazon
Also goodUnder-sinkFrizzlife SP99 Under-Sink FilterFrizzlife Technology IncTreatsleadPrice$$Certified for Lead (NSF/ANSI 53-2024, IAPMO)Why it’s listed: its current certification names lead; Bethlehem’s record lists galvanized service lines.See the evidenceCheck price on Amazon
Also goodFaucet-mountPUR Plus Faucet Filter (FM2500V)PURTreatsleadPrice$Certified for Lead (NSF/ANSI 53, IAPMO)Why it’s listed: its current certification names lead; Bethlehem’s record lists galvanized service lines.See the evidenceCheck price on Amazon
Also goodCountertopPatriot Pure Ultimate Water Filtration SystemPatriot Pure (4Patriots)TreatsleadPrice$$Certified for Lead (NSF/ANSI 53, NSF, IAPMO)Why it’s listed: its current certification names lead; Bethlehem’s record lists galvanized service lines.See the evidenceCheck price on Amazon
Also goodReverse osmosisiSpring RCC7AK Alkaline Reverse Osmosis SystemiSpring · It treats only the water from its own faucet and sends part of the water to the drain; the NSF listing for the plain RCC7AK covers dissolved solids, not lead or PFAS.Use code REFISPRING at checkout: 10% off your first iSpring order.TechnologyReverse osmosisPrice$$Brand lab-tested, not independently certified for leadSee the evidenceCheck price at iSpring
Also goodReverse osmosisiSpring RO5004F Tankless Reverse Osmosis System with UViSpring · Its PFAS and lead reduction claims are iSpring's own, with no third-party certification named for this model, and it treats only the water at its own faucet.Use code REFISPRING at checkout: 10% off your first iSpring order.TechnologyReverse osmosisPrice$$$Brand lab-tested, not independently certified for leadSee the evidenceCheck price at iSpring
Also goodReverse osmosisWaterdrop X12 Reverse Osmosis SystemWaterdrop · Its IAPMO NSF/ANSI 58 certification covers TDS reduction only, so its PFAS and lead claims rest on Waterdrop's own SGS lab testing.TechnologyReverse osmosisPrice$$$$Brand lab-tested, not independently certified for leadSee the evidenceCheck price at Waterdrop

★ Best available: iSpring WGB32B-PFKS PFAS & Heavy Metals Whole House Filter, the best fit here; nothing in this group is certified yet.

Filters for lead: Bethlehem has galvanized service lines on record
PickProductDetails and priceCertificationWhy it’s listedLink
★ Best availableWhole-houseiSpring WGB32B-PFKS PFAS & Heavy Metals Whole House FilteriSpring · It does not reduce total dissolved solids or soften hard water, and its PFAS result comes from SGS lab testing rather than an NSF/ANSI certification.Use code REFISPRING at checkout: 10% off your first iSpring order.Price$$$Brand lab-tested, not independently certified for leadSee the evidenceCheck price at iSpring

PurityMap earns a commission from these links. "Best choice" and "Budget pick" go to certified products first; commission never decides them. As an Amazon Associate, PurityMap earns from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.

Don’t misread thisA city-wide result does not tell you your tap result

A reported city-wide lead concentration is not a measurement of the water coming from every household tap. Lead can enter water through service lines, faucets, fixtures and plumbing materials.

Want to know what’s in your water?Test your tap →
Results as a table1 result with limit, status, sample date and source
Lead results for City of Bethlehem (PWSID PA3480046), Bethlehem, PA
ContaminantResultLimitStatusSampledSource
Lead (90th percentile)Non-Detect (ND)15 µg/L federal action levelNot detected above the reporting limit2025–2025 monitoring periodLead & Copper Rule 90th-percentile: CITY OF BETHLEHEM (PA3480046) (opens in a new tab)
Questions

Lead in Bethlehem water, answered

Sources used for this analysis3 sources
Lead & Copper Rule 90th-percentile: CITY OF BETHLEHEM (PA3480046)View ↗ Lead & Copper Rule 90th-percentile: CITY OF BETHLEHEM (PA3480046) (opens in a new tab)
  1. Publisher: US EPA SDWIS
  2. Record: State SDWIS Compliance Record
  3. Date: 2026-10-13
  4. Measurement: Lead (90th percentile) Non-Detect (ND)
  5. Benchmark: 15 µg/L federal action level
  1. Publisher: US EPA
  2. Record: UCMR5 Analytical Results
  3. Date: 2026-10-15
  4. Measurement: not on record
  5. Benchmark: not on record
City of Bethlehem Water & Sewer Resources 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)View ↗ City of Bethlehem Water & Sewer Resources 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) (opens in a new tab)
  1. Publisher: City of Bethlehem Water & Sewer Resources
  2. Record: Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
  3. Date: 2024-01-01
  4. Measurement: not on record
  5. Benchmark: not on record
Is there lead in Bethlehem tap water?

Lead was not detected in CITY OF BETHLEHEM's most recent lead sampling (2025): the 90th-percentile result was below the lab's reporting limit. It comes from sampled homes; your own pipes decide what reaches your tap.

Does Bethlehem have lead service lines?

In EPA's service line inventory (2026Q2), CITY OF BETHLEHEM reported 0 lead service lines, 777 galvanized lines requiring replacement and 29,933 of unknown material, out of 37,089 lines in total. Unknown lines have not yet been identified and may include lead.

Can my home have more lead than the city report shows?

Yes. Lead usually enters water from service lines, solder and fixtures between the main and your tap, so one home can measure higher than the citywide figure. Only a test of your own tap shows it.

How do I know if my home has a lead service line?

Ask CITY OF BETHLEHEM whether your address appears in its service line inventory, which utilities must publish. You can also look where the water pipe enters your home: lead pipe is dull grey, soft, and shows shiny metal when scratched gently.

How do I test my Bethlehem tap water?

Use a state-certified lab for an exact number, or a screening kit for a quick range. For lead, take a first-draw sample: water that has sat in the pipes for at least six hours.

What filter removes lead from Bethlehem water?

One whose current certification names lead for the exact model: NSF/ANSI 53 (carbon) or NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis). Until then, run the cold tap for a few minutes after water has sat for hours, and use only cold water for drinking and cooking.

What certification should I look for in a lead filter?

NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 with lead listed for the exact model, checked in the certifier's listing (NSF, WQA or IAPMO).

Should I replace my lead service line?

If your home has one, replacing it removes the main source of lead. Ask CITY OF BETHLEHEM first: it reported 777 galvanized service lines to replace in EPA's inventory (2026Q2), and many utilities replace these lines for free or share the cost.