Lead Service Lines in St Petersburg, FL
St Petersburg's water system serves about 351,555 people through 13 water utilities. The city has not reported any known lead service lines in its inventory data.
What you need to know
Lead service lines are pipes that carry water from the main water line under the street to your home. If your service line is made of lead, drinking water can pick up lead as it travels through the pipe—especially if the water is corrosive or hasn't been used for several hours.
Most homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead service lines, though some older homes have copper or galvanized steel instead. St Petersburg's inventory data shows zero confirmed lead service lines, but this doesn't mean your home is automatically safe. It means the utilities have either completed their investigation or are still in the process of identifying which pipes are lead.
Why this matters
Lead exposure, even at low levels, can affect children's brain development and learning. Adults can develop high blood pressure and kidney problems. The only way to know if your home has a lead service line is to contact your water utility or have a licensed plumber inspect your property.
How to find out if your home has a lead service line
Contact your water utility directly. The largest provider in St Petersburg is the City of St Petersburg Water Department (serves about 349,979 people). Ask them:
- Does my address have a lead service line?
- Do you have records of what my service line is made of?
- Can you send me a copy of your lead service line inventory?
If your utility doesn't have records yet, they're required by federal law to complete their inventory by October 2024. A licensed plumber can also inspect your property for a fee.
What you can do right now
Even if your service line isn't lead, lead can still enter water through brass faucets or solder. The EPA recommends:
- Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking if the water hasn't been used for several hours.
- Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves lead faster).
- Consider a water filter certified to reduce lead if you're concerned.
If you have young children or are pregnant, talk to your pediatrician or doctor about testing.
Next steps for residents
- Contact your local water utility and ask about your service line material.
- Request a copy of their lead service line inventory.
- Have a licensed plumber inspect your pipes if the utility has no records.
- Use the tap-flushing practice above while you wait for answers.