The title compound, [Pb(C(8)H(4)O(4))(H(2)O)](n), forms as an insoluble product in the reaction of sodium terephthalate(2-) with Pb(NO(3))(2) in water. Analysis has shown that the crystal structure is centrosymmetric, with the asymmetric unit containing one formula unit. The lead geometry is hemidirected seven-coordinate, with both monodentate and bidentate carboxylate coordination modes present. The combination of hydrogen bonds and coordination bonds produces a three-dimensional structure, including the first example, in a lead complex, of the common metal-coordinated carboxylate/water R(1)(1)(6) graph-set motif.