Lead and Copper Rule Revision

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), which require all U.S. utilities with water distribution systems to develop a comprehensive water service line material inventory, implement new compliance sampling standards, and make the results publicly available. 

To facilitate Lakeland’s compliance with the LCRR, the City has launched the Pipe Inventory Program. The program will help ensure that our customers have the resources they need to understand the LCRR and are clear on any action they may need to take. 

Background 

Protecting water quality is a top priority for the City of Lakeland, with our water consistently meeting or exceeding state and federal drinking water standards. The likelihood of finding lead service lines in our water distribution system is low. Florida does not have a high occurrence of lead, and Lakeland has prohibited the use of lead in water pipe construction since 1977.  

Drinking water sources do not typically have naturally occurring lead. Instead, certain types of plumbing materials that transport drinking water to homes and businesses can deposit lead into the water. These plumbing materials include older service lines, faucets, and other fixtures.  

A service line is the underground pipe that connects your home to the water main, delivering water to faucets, bathtubs, showers, and other water outlets inside the home. A service line can typically be seen connected to the water meter outside the home and has a utility owned side as well as customer owned portion, as illustrated in the graphic below. 

The water provided by Lakeland to customers does not contain lead when it leaves our water treatment facilities and has a carefully balanced pH to prevent corroding distribution pipes and plumbing. The latest water quality report can be found here. 

As part of compliance with the LCRR regulations, service line material information is provided to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Every customer service line has a location identifier in our inventory database, which is also publicly accessible on this website through the Pipe Inventory Map. If you receive drinking water as a customer of the City of Lakeland Water Utilities, you can find this information by visiting our user-friendly Pipe Inventory Map webpage. Please note if you are on a private well or receive drinking water from a different utility, your pipe material is not included in the City's inventory.  

• Important Information About Lead in Drinking Water

  Drinking water sources do not typically have naturally occurring lead. It is possible for lead to enter drinking water because of corrosion caused by the wearing of pipes, or from residential plumbing fixtures containing lead. This includes lead or lead-based solder used to join copper pipe, brass, and chrome-plated brass faucets. When present, lead service lines are typically the most significant source of lead in the water.  

  However, the likelihood of finding lead in the Lakeland water system is low. The City has prohibited the use of lead in water pipe construction since 1977.  

  The Health Effects of Lead 

  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 lead to 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 an increased risk of these adverse health effects. Adults can have increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney, or nervous system problems.  

  Learn more about preventing childhood lead poisoning at cdc.gov/lead. 

  Sources of Lead 

  Lead is a common metal found in the environment. Most sources result from human activities. Some of the most common sources of lead are: 

  • Lead-based paint 

  • Lead-contaminated dust or soil  

  • Pottery, pewter, and brass fixtures 

  • Plumbing materials containing lead 

  • Food 

  • Cosmetics 

  • Lead on clothing or shoes carried from work areas or certain hobbies 
  • Toys, playground equipment, and children’s metal jewelry 

   

  Lead Leaching Factors 

  When tap water stays in contact with plumbing materials containing lead for an extended amount of time, lead has a greater opportunity to leach out of the pipe or fixture into the drinking water. This means that standing water in the pipe drawn from the tap after several hours without use, such as in the morning or later in the afternoon, may contain higher levels of lead than water that has been continuously flushed through the pipe throughout the day.   

  The water provided by the City of Lakeland does not contain lead when it leaves our water treatment facilities to be sent to our customers, and we always provide safe, high-quality water that meets or exceeds state and federal drinking water standards. Annual water quality reports can be found on the City website.  

  In the unlikely event that lead is detected in your drinking water, follow these simple steps to reduce exposure: lakelandgov.net/PIPBackground. 

• Lead Reduction Steps

  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) establish specific monitoring, testing, and reporting requirements to address health risks from lead exposure in drinking water. To comply with the LCRR, the City of Lakeland is developing an inventory of customer water service lines.  

  Drinking water sources do not typically have naturally occurring lead. Instead, certain types of plumbing materials that transport drinking water to homes and businesses can deposit lead into the water. These plumbing materials include older service lines, faucets, and other fixtures.   

  The likelihood of finding lead service lines in Lakeland’s water distribution system is low. The City has prohibited the use of lead in water pipe construction since 1977. Yearly water quality reports can be found on the City website.  

  However, concerned customers can follow the tips below for additional protection from the potential for lead in drinking water. 

  Run water to flush pipes. If a tap has been unused for several hours, flush the water for several minutes before using it for drinking or cooking. To avoid wasting water, capture and reuse the flushed water for irrigation, cleaning, etc. 

  Use only cold water for cooking, drinking, and preparing baby formula. If hot water is needed, collect cold water after flushing and then heat it up. Boiling water does not reduce or remove lead. 

  Filter your water: For drinking, cooking, and baby formula, use water that has been run through a filter. Filters should be certified by an American National Standards Institute, like the NSF 53 for lead removal and NSF 42 for particulate removal. Maintain and replace the filter device in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to protect water quality. 

  Clean aerators: Aerators and/or screens on faucets should be cleaned periodically (every 3-6 months) and more often if there has been a service line replacement (every month for six months). Aerators should be replaced if damaged or worn out. 

  Identify and replace plumbing fixtures containing lead: Brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including those advertised as "lead-free," may contribute to lead in drinking water. Current regulations have established a maximum lead concentration of 0.25 percent for drinking water fixtures. Visit the NSF website at www.nsf.org to learn more about lead-containing plumbing fixtures. 

  For more information on reducing lead exposure and the health effects of lead, visit the EPA website at www.epa.gov/lead, or contact your health care provider.