Lead and Copper Program

The federal Lead and Copper Rule requires all community drinking water systems to regularly test a sample of high-risk homes for lead at the tap. We conduct regular testing throughout the water service area in adherence with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (FDEP) water quality monitoring programs.

This commitment includes comprehensive sampling for lead and copper. In addition to the sampling that already occurs, we have expanded our lead and copper program to identify where lead water service lines may be present in our system.

EPA requirements to identify sources of lead

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a new requirement for all public water utilities to develop and publish an inventory of known and suspected lead water lines within their service area. Hillsborough County Water Resources has a Lead and Copper Program to meet this requirement.

Hillsborough County’s drinking water is tested for lead before it leaves our treatment plants. If lead or copper are found in tap water, it is typically caused by underground pipes, plumbing, solder, and fixtures in older buildings.

The federal government banned lead pipes in the late 1980s. Properties built after 1988 are unlikely to have lead. Copper is found in underground pipes and in plumbing of properties of all ages.

Inventory and inspections

We are developing an inventory of water quality lines and will use historical data and inspections of water lines at up to 400 randomly selected addresses of properties built before 1989 to create the inventory.

A County agent will inspect meter boxes of these randomly selected addresses to identify water line materials. When the inventory is complete, we will post the results of the inventory on this page.

Replacement plan

• The County will use the inventory information to develop a plan for replacing lead service lines and will share the plan with customers here
• We will replace lead service lines that are part of the County water system and will encourage customers to replace the service lines they own if lead is identified on the customer side of the meter

Health effects

Exposure to lead or high levels of copper over a long period of time may cause health effects, so it is important to identify and remove sources that may contaminate water.

Lead can cause immediate effects at high doses and long-term effects if it builds up in the body over many years. Some effects and concerns include:

• Lead can cause brain and kidney damage in addition to effects on the blood and vitamin D metabolism
• Children are more vulnerable to lead exposure because their bodies are smaller, and because they are still developing
• Pregnant women and their unborn babies are also at higher risk for negative health effects associated with lead exposure

If you are concerned that you or a family member may have been exposed to lead, consult with your family doctor to receive a blood test for lead and learn more about the health effects associated with exposure.

Get additional information

• AWWA's Lead and Your Water - Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
• EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791
• National Lead Information Center: 1-800-LEAD-FYI