FAQs

• What are the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR)?

  On Dec. 16, 2021, the EPA announced regulatory revisions to strengthen the framework on lead in drinking water. The EPA concluded that there were significant opportunities to improve the rule to support the overarching goal of proactively removing lead service lines and more equitably protecting public health. Specifically, the updated regulations require that the City submits the service line material inventory to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) by Oct. 16, 2024.

• What is a water service line?

  A water service line is an underground pipe that carries water to homes from the public water main. 

• Where can I find my service line?

  The service line will typically enter your home through a hose bib connection located at the side of the house, or it will enter through the foundation in the crawl space, utility area, or other location.  

• How does lead get into drinking water?

  Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials that contain lead corrode over time. The rate of corrosion is based on the water chemistry. Water quality sampling results have shown that the water in our system does not corrode lead pipes.  

• Do all lead service lines contaminate drinking water with lead?

  All lead service lines have the potential to leach lead into drinking water, but we carefully manage water chemistry to prevent this from happening. To learn more about our water chemistry and water testing, you can view our latest water quality report. 

• How do I know if my service line material has been identified?

  The City of Lakeland created a Pipe Inventory Map as a tool to help our drinking water customers know if their pipe (service line) material has been identified. If you are a Lakeland Water Utilities customer, you can check your service line material data by looking up your address using the map provided (lakelandgov.net/PIPMap). The Pipe Inventory Map is color coded with the following legend.

  Service Line Material Map Legend

  • Orange Dot: Galvanized Requiring Replacement
  • Gray Dot: Unknown 
  • Blue Dot: Non-Lead 
  • Yellow Dot: Lead 

   

• How do I conduct the a test to identify my water service line material?

  Instructions for identifying your service line material can be found here: lakelandgov.net/PIPMap.

• What do I do if I find a lead pipe?

  Florida does not have a high occurrence of lead, and the likelihood of finding lead service lines in our distribution system is low. If you believe your service line is lead, this does not necessarily mean that lead is in the drinking water. Do not panic. Lakeland Water Utilities can help. Contact Water Distribution, Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM at 863.834.8714.

• Will my water service line need to be replaced?

  Replacement is only necessary if one of the following conditions are met: 

  • The service line was constructed with material containing lead.  

  • The service line is galvanized and downstream of a service line with unknown material. 

  • The service line is galvanized and is either currently, or was previously, downstream of a lead service line.  
• What is a galvanized water service line?

  Galvanized water service lines are iron pipes that have been dipped in a protective zinc coating to prevent corrosion and rust and were once used as an alternative to lead pipe for service lines. Galvanized pipes can capture lead released from upstream lead service lines, which can be released into the home, requiring their replacement and resulting in their categorization as galvanized requiring replacement, or GRR.   

• Do all galvanized water service lines need to be replaced?

  No. Only galvanized water service lines that are downstream of a service line of unknown material, or galvanized lines that are currently or were previously downstream of a lead service line will need to be replaced.  

• If a service line constructed with lead is identified on my property and then replaced, how can you ensure there is no longer lead in my water?

  Following replacement, water quality sampling will be conducted to ensure lead levels are below the 10 parts per billion (ppb) level established by the EPA.

• Who will cover the costs of replacing my pipe if it is determined to need replacement?

  The City is responsible for costs associated with work performed on the utility (public) side of the water meter. Homeowners are responsible for pipe replacement and plumbing repairs located on the customer (private) side of the water meter. We are actively assessing the costs of complying with the LCRR and determining potential funding options. More information will be provided when it is available. 

• If there are lead-based materials in my service line or plumbing, what steps can I take to reduce lead exposure?

  The Pipe Inventory Program webpage includes information on steps that can be completed to reduce lead exposure: lakelandgov.net/PIPBackground. Additionally, you can learn more by visiting the EPA website. 

• How do I test my water quality?

  Water quality tests are available to purchase at local retailers. For minimal cost this test can be performed at home and will provide lead concentration results for the individual consumer. 

  To learn more about testing your drinking water, you can refer to this EPA fact sheet. 

• Can I find my service line material information on an inventory from another site other than the Pipe Inventory Program webpage? 

  Lakeland customers should be aware that other sources of service line materials, including maps or inventories on other sites, could use outdated and incorrect information. The inventory we have provided on the Pipe Inventory Map webpage is the most accurate representation of service line material data in the Lakeland distribution system.   

• Where can I find more information?

  If you completed reviewing www.lakelandgov.net/PIP and want to learn more check out the websites below: 

  • Lead | US EPA
  • Lead in Drinking Water | NSF
  • Recommended Actions Based on Blood Lead Level | CDC
  • Adult Lead Poisoning | Florida Department of Health (floridahealth.gov)
  • Lead Service Line Inventory | Florida Department of Environmental Protection