Is my water hard or soft?
You have extremely soft water. There is approximately 1 grain per gallon (gpg) or 16 milligrams per liter (mg/L) of water. A little bit of soap goes a long way in soft water.
Is there fluoride in my water?
Yes. The water contains about 0.5 milligrams per liter (mg/L) of fluoride.
Is there sodium in my water?
Yes. The water contains about 7.5 milligrams per liter (mg/L) of sodium.
Where can I find out more about what is in my drinking water?
We publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) on our website
here. The CCR is typically updated in the spring for results collected the previous year and contains details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) standards.
What should I do if my water is discolored?
Try not to use the water for at least an hour. Then turn on a cold water tap for about 5 minutes to see if it clears. Repeat this process at least twice. Call the Bethlehem Service Center at (610) 865-7000 if the problem persists.
Who do I contact if there is an interruption in my water service?
Please call our Bethlehem Service Center at (610) 865-7000. They are available to assist you 24/7/365.
Who do I contact if I have a question about my bill?
Customer Service can be reached by calling (610) 865-7070. They are available Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm.
Why did I receive a letter that my water service line material is unknown/galvanized/lead? Is there an increase of lead in my drinking water?
No there is not an increase of lead in your drinking water. The City of Bethlehem is required to send notifications to addresses where the service line material is unknown, galvanized, or lead.
If you received an unknown letter, the letter is asking for your help in identifying your side of the service line, which you can see coming into your home. We are working on identifying all service line materials. Please visit the City’s lead service line website
here to learn more about service line identification and how you can report your service line material to us. On that page you’ll also find a link to our service line inventory map where you can see the information we have for your location.
If you received a galvanized or lead letter, the letter is notifying you of the material and provides ways to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water. Even if your service line is galvanized or lead, that does not mean that there is lead in your drinking water. We use a corrosion inhibitor to prevent lead from leaching into the water from the pipes. We regularly test homes with known lead service lines and results typically have no or very little lead concentrations.
Why is there pink or orange slime on my bathroom tiles, walls, drains, or faucet?
This orangish pink slime is caused by bacteria found naturally in the air. These bacteria like warm, damp surfaces such as those in your bathroom. As they grow, they produce an orangish pink slime. The best way to control this growth is to frequently clean and disinfect surfaces using common household products. Improving bathroom ventilation will also help prevent its return.
Why is there black slime on my faucet aerator, toilet bowl, or drains?
This is caused by mold and/or mildew found naturally in the air. Mold and mildew thrive in warm, damp locations such as a faucet, toilet bowl, or drain. Mold and mildew spores land on damp surfaces and multiply. The best way to control this growth is to frequently clean and disinfect surfaces using common household products.
Why does my water taste and smell musty, earthy, mildewy, or metallic?
This unpleasant taste and odor issue is caused by geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB). These naturally occurring compounds are produced by certain bacteria and other microorganisms and are not harmful. You may notice this taste and odor change in the spring and fall when our source water reservoirs undergo seasonal mixing called turnover. Turnover causes nutrient redistribution that feed bacteria and other organisms that produce geosmin and MIB. Unfortunately, there is no good treatment that removes these compounds. Fortunately, the compounds are not harmful and the taste and odor issues typically do no last very long.
Why does my water appear milky?
This is caused from air in the water lines. Fill a glass with water. If the “milkiness” clears from the bottom of the glass first, there is air in your water lines. Air will eventually work its way through the water line.
Why are there black particles in my water?
The most common cause of black particles showing up in tap water is caused by rubber materials used in plumbing fixtures. Gaskets and O rings can breakdown over time and some pieces can collect in toilet tanks and aerators. Replacing the gaskets and O rings near the area that you are experiencing the black particles should take care of this problem.