City of Punta Gorda, FL
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Lead and Copper Information
Lead and Copper Rule Revision Compliance
Keeping Our Water Safe
The City of Punta Gorda has been providing residents with high-quality, reliable, and cost-effective water services for years, and we are committed to safeguarding our system for future generations. Through the Water Service Line Inventory Program, the City is identifying and cataloging the community's water service lines to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule Revisions and Improvements. The City aims to develop the Water Service Line Inventory by late 2024. Over the next several years, we will work to physically identify service line materials, relying on historical records, plumbing codes, ordinances, and field crews to build our inventory.
The EPA's Lead and Copper Rule
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced the Lead and Copper Rule in 1991 to minimize exposure to lead and copper in drinking water, which primarily occurs through the corrosion of lead and copper service lines, home fixtures, and building plumbing. Since its inception, the rule has been revised multiple times. The latest revision, the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), was published on January 15, 2021, and became law on December 16, 2021. The primary goal of this revision is to continue safeguarding our families and communities.
Water Service Lines
A service line is an underground pipe that links your home to the City's water main. This includes both the private side and public side of the service line, divided by the water meter. Depending on when they were installed, water service lines can be made of materials such as lead, galvanized steel, copper, or PVC. The City is currently evaluating service lines citywide to determine their composition, enabling us to proactively plan for the replacement of any infrastructure that may pose a health risk.
What We Are Looking For
- Lead – Lead is known to pose serious health risks. Based on the City’s records, lead service lines were banned in 1986. The EPA, under the Safe Drinking Water Act, implemented a nationwide ban on lead use, which was also adopted by the State of Florida.
- Galvanized Steel – After the ban on lead, many service lines were made from galvanized steel. However, galvanized steel can also present health risks, as the zinc coating can corrode over time, potentially releasing lead particles into the water. The City ceased using galvanized steel service lines in the 1980s.
In the rare event that lead is found, prompt action will be taken. If galvanized steel is identified, the City will initiate monitoring and replacement efforts.
Notification
If a service line material is unknown, residents will receive a notification letter informing them of this. If residents do not receive such a letter, they can rest assured that their line has been identified as a non-lead service line. You can see an example of the letter by clicking here.
Water Service Line Inventory Map
View the interactive inventory map and search your address here.
The City Punta Gorda will be updating this inventory on a minimum annual basis in accordance with EPA requirements.
The preliminary inventory shown has been developed based on available data, visual inspection, and/or statistical analysis. The City Punta Gorda does not guarantee 100% accuracy of the information provided herein.