Lead Service Line Inventory Program

Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) Overview

On January 15, 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) which requires all public water systems to identify the material of all service lines within their water service area. The rule requires that systems must also create an inventory of all their service lines materials and make the results publicly available.  The City has identified the material of over 6,000 service lines to date and developed an initial service line inventory and service line replacement plan. This webpage serves as a hub for the City’s LCRR program and will evolve alongside any future rule updates.

In November 2024, water customers whose service lines have been identified as requiring replacement or have not yet been inspected will receive a letter from the City notifying them of this status. Addresses that do not receive a letter have service lines free of lead. 

Bartow prioritizes clean drinking water to all its residents.  The City does not have lead in its drinking water supply or water distribution mains and uses corrosion control at the water treatment plant to help prevent corrosion in pipes and plumbing. Instead, certain lead plumbing materials in service lines and interior house plumbing can deposit lead into the water.  

In 1979, Bartow adopted plumbing codes prohibiting the use of lead in water pipe construction. The likelihood of finding lead in service lines is very low, however it is still possible in areas developed before the lead ban.  Lead is a common metal found in the environment, and drinking water is only one possible source of lead exposure. The main sources of lead exposure are lead-based paint, or lead-contaminated dust, soil, and some plumbing materials. It can also be found in pottery, cosmetics, clothing, toys, or jewelry.

illustration of water line from homeInformation about Service Lines

A water service line is a small branch off a water main that provides drinking water to a home or other property.  The ownership of the service line is split between the System (City) and Customer owned portions.  This split is normally located at the meter box on the property line between public and private property.  A diagram that shows a normal service line ownership split is above.

Classifications of service lines are split between the following four categories:

  • Lead - The City of Bartow has confirmed the presence of lead in your service line.
  • Galvanized Requiring Replacement - The City of Bartow found a galvanized service line and cannot confirm that your galvanized service line was never downstream of a lead service line.  In an abundance of safety, the EPA seeks to eliminate the risk of these steel lines having absorbed lead and potentially leach lead back into the water supply.
  • Unknown - The City of Bartow has not yet confirmed the material of your service line but is working to identify the materials of the remaining unknown service lines.  
  • Non-Lead – The City of Bartow has information indicating that you do not have a lead service line.

For any questions about your service line material, please contact the City of Bartow by phone 863.733.4845 (after Nov. 15) or by email at serviceline@cityofbartow.net. Si requiere ayuda en español sobre el Programa de Reemplazo de Líneas de Servicio de Agua de la Ciudad y el estado de su propiedad, por favor llame a Yadlih Torres al 863.534.5044, ext. 5120.

Service Line Inventory Map

The City has prepared a map that shows the results of the service line inspections that lists the service line material for each water service within the City. The inspection of all water services is ongoing and the map will be updated once inspections are complete.

service line map illustration

  • After clicking on the map or the link below, type your address into the text box at the top right corner of the online map.
  • Click on your address when it appears below the text box. Some addresses may have multiple service lines.
  • The map will zoom to your address and have a pop-out with the service line materials identified at your address.
  • The pop-up for your address has the following information:
    • Service Line Classification – This is the material classification of the whole service line. This classification is a combination of the materials of the Utility and Customer-owned portions of the service line.. Classifications of service lines are split between the following four categories:
      1. Lead - The City of Bartow has confirmed the presence of lead in your service line.
      2. Galvanized Requiring Replacement - The City of Bartow found a galvanized service line and cannot confirm that your galvanized service line was never downstream of a lead service line.  In an abundance of safety, the EPA seeks to eliminate the risk of these steel lines having absorbed lead and potentially leach lead back into the water supplied.
      3. Unknown - The City of Bartow has not yet confirmed the material of your service line but is working to identify the materials of the remaining unknown service lines.  
      4. Non-Lead – The City of Bartow has information indicating that you do not have a lead service line.
    • Utility Owned Portion – This is the material of the service line that is owned by the City. The City owns the service line from the water main to the water meter.
    • Customer Owned Portion – This is the material of the service line that is owned by the Customer. The Customer owns the service line from the water meter to the connection into the building plumbing.

VIEW MAP 


Lead Exposure Risks

If you are concerned about the potential for elevated levels of lead in your home drinking water, or think you may have elevated lead levels in your home drinking water, you may have it tested. Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 for more information. 

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

Steps You Can Take to Reduce Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water

  • Use your filter properly.  Using a filter can reduce lead in drinking water. If you use a filter, make sure you use a filter certified to remove lead. Read the directions to learn how to properly install and use your cartridge and when to replace it. Using the cartridge after it has expired can make it less effective at removing lead. Do not run hot water through the filter.
  • Clean your aerator. Regularly clean your faucet’s screen (also known as an aerator). Sediment, debris, and lead particles can collect in your aerator. If lead particles are caught in the aerator, lead can get into your water.
  • Use cold water. Use only cold water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula. Remember, boiling water does not remove lead from water.
  • Run your water. The more time water has been sitting in pipes, the more lead it may contain. Before drinking, flush your home’s pipes by running the tap, taking a shower, doing laundry, or doing a load of dishes. The amount of time to run the water will depend on whether your home has a lead service line or not, and the length of the lead service line. Residents should contact their water utility for recommendations about flushing times in their community.
  • Learn if you have a lead service line. Find out if the pipe that connects your home to the water main is made from lead.  Check the City’s service line inventory map. If the map doesn’t have your service line material yet, a licensed plumber may be able to identify your service line material. Protect Your Tap: A quick check for lead is EPA's step by step guide to learn how to find lead pipes in your home.   
  • Learn about construction in your neighborhood.  If you have a lead service line, you should be aware of any nearby construction or maintenance work that could disturb the line. Ground tremors from construction may suddenly cause more lead to be released from a lead service lines in the area.

For More Information

For more information on reducing lead exposure around your home/building and the health effects of lead, visit EPA's website, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323), or contact your healthcare provider.