Lead and Copper Program

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We're dedicated to delivering safe and reliable drinking water that meets or exceeds state and federal drinking water regulations. As part of this commitment, we've conducted an inventory to identify the material of every water service line in our system. A service line is the pipe that connects the water main to the plumbing in a home or building. When any part of that pipe is made of lead, it’s called a lead service line.

Why is lead and copper being talked about now?

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), originally issued in 1991, requires utilities to monitor both lead and copper in tap water. We’ve been reporting these levels in our annual Consumer Confidence Report for years. However, the Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR), finalized in December 2021, requires public water systems throughout the country to conduct a complete inventory of their service lines by October 2024. This is the latest step in long-term, ongoing efforts to ensure our drinking water is safe and lead free.

How do I know if I have a lead service line?

The majority of our service lines are known to be non-lead. Due to federal and state regulations banning use of pipes, solder, or flux that are not “lead free” in public water systems, we can rule out lead service lines for any homes built during or after 1989. If your home was built before 1989, we may need to investigate further to determine the material of your service line.

Health Effects of Lead Exposure

Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Lead exposure can cause new learning and behavior problems or exacerbate existing learning and behavior problems. The children of women who are exposed to lead before or during pregnancy can have increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney or nervous system problems.

Service Line Inventory

The information in the service line inventory is based on the best available information at this time. If your line was designated as “unknown,” you will have received a letter in the mail due to your home being built prior to 1989, and we have no definitive records regarding the material type for your line. We have not found any lead service lines at this time, but we cannot rule out the presence of lead in the service line on your side of the meter.

If you received a letter, your cooperation will be needed to identify the material of your portion of the service line—the pipe that runs from the meter box to your home. Refer to the image below for a better understanding of how the water line system is laid out.

Graphic of Residential Piping Layout Example

If you would like to request a verification of your unknown service line by our staff, or if you would like to complete the questionnaire that you received in the mail through an online option, please clicking on the box below to complete the form.

Utility Service Material Certification Form

Contact Us

Email: LeadandCopper@immokaleewatersewer.com

All e-mail sent to the address becomes part of public record. Comments received by our e-mail subsystem can be read by anyone who requests that privilege. In compliance with "Government in the Sunshine" laws, the District must make available, at request, any and all information not deemed a threat to the security of law enforcement agencies and personnel.