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Lead service lines in Sarasota, FL

46 water utilities serve Sarasota, with approximately 340,781 people served.

Last verified from EPA SDWIS + utility inventories: 2026-04-14
Known lead
0
Galvanized
0
Unknown
0
% unknown
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Lead Service Lines in Sarasota, FL

What you need to know

Sarasota's water system serves about 340,781 people through 46 different water utilities. The largest provider is Sarasota County Special Utility District (272,267 people), followed by the City of Sarasota (55,364 people).

Lead enters drinking water mainly through lead service lines—the pipes that connect your home to the water main under the street. Lead can also come from brass fittings and solder in older plumbing inside your home. Sarasota's utilities have not reported finding known lead service lines or galvanized pipes in their inventories, and data on unknown pipe materials is not yet available.

This doesn't mean lead service lines don't exist in Sarasota—many utilities across the US are still completing inventories. If your home was built before 1988 (when lead solder was banned), or before the 1980s (when lead pipes were phased out), the risk is higher.

How to find out if you have a lead service line

Your water utility has records of the pipe connecting your property to the main. Contact your provider directly and ask whether your service line is lead, copper, galvanized steel, or unknown. Have your address ready.

Main contacts:

  • Sarasota County Special Utility District: Check their website or call the main line for water quality inquiries
  • City of Sarasota: Contact the Public Utilities Department

If your utility says "unknown," ask what they're doing to find out and when they expect to finish mapping.

What to do if you have a lead service line

If you learn your service line is lead, the EPA and CDC recommend:

  • Use cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water dissolves lead faster)
  • Run water for 30 seconds before drinking if the tap hasn't been used in 6+ hours
  • Consider a certified lead-reducing filter (NSF/ANSI 53 certification)
  • Have your water tested by a certified lab if you're concerned

If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or OB-GYN about testing.

Replacing a lead service line is expensive (typically $3,000–$15,000), but some utilities offer rebates or assistance programs. Ask your water provider.

Next steps for residents

  • Contact your water utility with your address and ask about your service line material
  • Request their lead service line inventory if they have one publicly available
  • Get your water tested if you want to know current lead levels (certified labs available through your county health department)
  • Ask about replacement programs if your line is lead—your utility may have grants or low-interest loans

Utilities serving Sarasota

Common questions

Does Sarasota have lead in the water?

Sarasota's water utilities have not reported confirmed lead service lines in their current inventories. However, many utilities are still completing their mapping. Homes built before the late 1980s have a higher risk. Contact your water utility to find out about your specific service line.

How do I know if my house has a lead service line?

Call your water utility with your address and ask. They have records of the pipe type. You can also look at your water bill or the utility's online customer portal to find the phone number.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Sarasota?

Sarasota's water utilities test for lead and must comply with EPA standards. If you're worried about lead specifically, you can have your water tested by a certified lab, or use a filter certified to remove lead (NSF/ANSI 53).

How much does it cost to remove a lead service line?

Replacing a lead service line typically costs $3,000–$15,000 depending on depth and soil. Some water utilities offer rebates, grants, or financing programs to help. Ask your provider what assistance is available.